Thérèse Raquin

By: Emile Zola

Narrated by: Kate Winslet

Length: 7 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Once upon a time, a teenaged Kate Winslet (The Reader, Titanic, Revolutionary Road) received a gift that would leave a lasting impression: a copy of Emile Zola’s classic Thérèse Raquin. Six Academy Award nominations and one Best Actress award later, she steps behind the microphone to perform this haunting classic of passion and disaster.

Thérèse Raquin is the story of a young woman forced into an unhappy marriage to her dull, sickly cousin and smothered by her overbearing aunt. When her husband’s childhood friend enters her life, it leads to a torrid affair that sets her spirit free for the first time, but with shattering consequences. Steeped in the atmosphere of 19th-century France and with a darkly rich foreboding, it is a story that brings out the best of its narrator’s incomparable talents.

“It is challenging, and it’s a heck of a lot of fun as well”, said Ms. Winslet of the recording experience. "As a listener, being able to tune out and be taken into another world, an atmosphere, an environment that is being created entirely for you by somebody else’s voice is really a wonderful, magical thing.”

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Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Kate Winslet reads as though she is relishing every morsel of the drama…She clearly loves the book, and her pleasure in the text is infectious…she grabs listeners and doesn’t let go.” (AudioFile)

Depressing

The book is well-written and Kate Winslet is wonderful as a narrator which is why I downloaded the book, but even a good narrator couldn't make the plot less of a downer. Warning: The story is depressing.

Horrible people doing horrible things, boringly

What did you like best about Thérèse Raquin? What did you like least?

An alternate title could be "Lazy, Paranoid Murderers." Therese Raquin is longer than it needs to be. Even so, there are a few great scenes and wry details that more than justify this mostly bland book's existence.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

I don't want to ruin those few plot points that left me with a smile on my face, but they're there.

What about Kate Winslet’s performance did you like?

If it weren't Kate Winselt's lovely voice, I never would have finished this book.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes! The movie version (which is in the works) will have to be condensed, which will benefit the plodding parts of the story. Also, those excruciating details will be even more powerful to watch, I think.

Emotions Unhinged

What made the experience of listening to Thérèse Raquin the most enjoyable?

The narration of Kate Winslet was totally absorbing. Her rendition of the characters draw you in at once to the unfolding of the story. Even the supposed atmosphere was palpable. I knew the narrator was involved in the story.

Which character – as performed by Kate Winslet – was your favorite?

Therese's character continually develops with events. This is a story about obsession and guilt.

Any additional comments?

These characters will stay with you for a long time.

What a talent Ms. Winslet is.

If you could sum up Thérèse Raquin in three words, what would they be?

Terrific classic story made awesome by Kate Winslet's overwhelming talent.
Mesmerizing!!!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thérèse Raquin?

The whole pacing of the narration was perfect. It would be difficult to specify one moment.

Have you listened to any of Kate Winslet’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not. I would love to listen to another.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Evil destroys love.

Familiarity breeds contempt

What did you love best about Thérèse Raquin?

The ultimate justice brought about from the lovers' unraveling.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thérèse Raquin?

Therese's shock at realizing her lover's intentions towards her husband in the rowboat.

What does Kate Winslet bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Lovely lyrical reading allowing my imagination to soar.

Superb Performance!

Kate Winslet's performance is superb. She is not only a wonderful actress, but also a very good reader.

Kate Winslet is superb

Kate Winslet is phenomenal, reading perfectly each charcaters voice and creating a wonderful picture to this exceptional story.

Zola really "nails" it

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

I would definitely recommend, but not to just everyone. I would recommend to those that enjoy "classics" and don't need to be in the present in order to relate. I've always felt that human emotions are the same across the ages...we love, hate, cry, get angry, have passion...only the surroundings change, the heart is the same. This is a bit on the heavy side, but for those that like a closer look at humanity, I would definitely recommend.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thérèse Raquin?

The most memorable moment was the ending...I didn't expect it, but it was absolutely PERFECT! (No spoilers here!!!)

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending was my favorite...so fitting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again, the ending was the moment that moved me. The whole book leads to this one great climax! Brilliant book!

Any additional comments?

There was no other location regarding the narrator, but I have to give Kate Winslet her credit here. She was fabulous. The only reason I read this book in the first place was because she was the narrator, but I'm glad I discovered it. A fabulous book read by a gifted actress. Loved the combination.

Unexpectedly enjoyable

Would you listen to Thérèse Raquin again? Why?

Yes, I would listen to this book again. The story is rich with passion and revenge. It was a fun listen.

What did you like best about this story?

The journey of emotions was my favorite aspect. This book covers nearly every emotion one can experience from absolutely smothering boredom to bitter regret and hatred.

What does Kate Winslet bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kate Winslet breathes life into the characters with her acting skills. She gives each character a unique vocal identity without being obvious or patronizing. I feel she heightened the personalities to a level I might not have attained by reading alone.

Fantastic! Not to be missed.

What did you love best about Thérèse Raquin?

The story is gripping and difficult to stop listening to. This was a near perfect character study. Nothing says I love you like murder.

What does Kate Winslet bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Kate Winslet reads this book perfectly. Her voice is lovely and becomes a great foil for the grim unfolding story. She was a perfect selection for this book.

Any additional comments?

This was my first audio book in a very long time. The production was flawless and Kate Winslet was a perfect fit. I am not hooked to audio books!