The Moon's a Balloon cover art

The Moon's a Balloon

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The Moon's a Balloon

By: David Niven
Narrated by: David Niven
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About this listen

 When The Moon's a Balloon was first published in 1971, it received huge acclaim. The book became a classic and has gone on to sell over five million copies worldwide.

Rich in hilarious anecdote, it tells the story of Niven's school and Sandhurst days, his posting to Malta with the Highland Light Infantry, and how he escaped the army for a new life in the States. There he joined New York high society, before crossing the continent, lured by Hollywood. He returned to Britain to serve during the Second World War, but then made Hollywood his home.

A self-confessed name dropper, Niven's encounters range from garden walks with Churchill to finding Greta Garbo swimming naked in his pool.

©1971 Marulto Establishment (P)2005 Headline Audiobooks Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Film & TV Celebrity Funny Witty Winston Churchill

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Critic reviews

"An immensely enjoyable, witty and racy memoir." ( Sunday Times)
"Forthright, bawdy, and often hilarious, zany and zestful, his anecdotes should keep you entertained for hours." ( Sunday Express)
All stars
Most relevant  
There is something charming about this book that I cannot define. Read so eloquently by David Niven I'm glad I listened on Audiobook

1930s Charm

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I wonderful account of David’s childhood and war times followed by stories of acting and his personal life and loves. I thoroughly enjoyed it and only wish it was longer. What a man he was! Fabulous

Nostalgic

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loved this book from start to finish. Fascinating man with extraordinary life. Does not dissappoint.

amazing gentleman

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I read both David Niven's books years ago and so enjoyed them I had no hesitation in buying the audio version, especailly as I could listen to his wonderful voice reading them. I was not disappointed. A real insight into a truly fascinating life described by the man himself. If you like David Niven you will enjoy his audio books. I was really sorry when it ended.

What did you like best about this story?

All of it.

What does David Niven bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I have read the book and enjoyed it but the author reading his own work made it very special.

Fabulous, witty and even a bit sad in places

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That voice, instantly recognisable, Niven tells stories with humour and honesty. A charmer and a chancer, he recounts his early life and wartime exploits. I cannot recommend this highly enough. Deserves to be considered a classic

Great stories and great performance

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Looking forward to his other book now for more stories. An eloquent story weaver. Great.

A class act

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A welcome blast from the past, although it doesn’t seem to be anything like as long as I remember. Perhaps another example of the tendency to shorten content to save money.

Truncated

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❤️ The melodiousness of David Niven. His humour and humility and sharing the incredible tales of his life ❤️

The melodiousness of David Niven. His humour and humility and sharing the incredible tales of his life ❤️

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Approximately 75% shorter than the book. A big disappointment. There should be a warning.

Too short

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really enjoyed his story and how he got into films and not too boring also funny and lovely to hear David Nivens voice again.

good listen

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