Testimony

A Novel

By: Anita Shreve

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff, Eve Bianco, Ellen Archer

Length: 8 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape. A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices - those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal - that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.

Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in Testimony a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellingly explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions.

Read by a full cast.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2008 Anita Shreve (P)2008 Anita Shreve

Must Read for Students and Adults Who Work with St

As someone who lives on a college campus and personally spends a lot of time with college students, I feel like this should be required reading.

The Testimony tells the story of multiple students involved in a sex assault beautifully outlining the different perspectives, events, and fallouts.

Poignant.

WOW!!!!

Would you listen to Testimony again? Why?

Yes, I would. I think I probably missed some things that would shed some light on the story.

What did you like best about this story?

It kept surprising me! I thought I knew what was going to happen and then something completely unexpected happened. This is very Anita Shreve! And this is why I love her books.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

I think Mike was my favorite because I liked the voice of that narrator. Everyone did a great job but I just liked his voice and that made him my favorite character.

If you could take any character from Testimony out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Not Sienna. She was so goofy and kept switching subjects - much like many teenagers I have known. I would actually like to take Anita Shreve to dinner. She is one amazing author and I would love to find out where she gets her ideas. Brilliant mind!

Any additional comments?

Read this book - it won't disappoint.

All the voices...

Loved the ensemble cast. This books captures the raw emotion of betrayal and the subsequent healing process. The author also adeptly portrays teenagers as they struggle with maturing. An excellent book that was hard to put down.

Why do I do it???

Yes she's a great writer. But all her books make me want to drive off a bridge! If you are at all prone to the summer-blahs, the winter-blahs, spring fever or fall funkiness.... skip this one!

Intense

This is a very interesting book. It has me feeling extremely conflicted, especially in this current political environment when a certain individual is attempting to become a supreme court justice. It's a weird juxtaposition. But the book itself is good. Its emotional and I love that its told from numerous perspectives. Its extremely well written, but leaves me a bit annoyed. I didn't like any female character in this. Maybe one, but she wasn't given many parts. The women were just grating. They were portrayed as needy or self serving.

Thought provoking- how to protect our children

Generally I do not care for audio programs with multiple readers, I prefer a single narrator, but this was done well. The story was well told and kept me coming back to follow its development, even though the author purposefully foreshadows certain key plot developments.

Like "Listening to a good stage performance"

Disturbing but worthy story line. Great cast of multiple readers. This is the only Anita Shreve novel I have "read" so far.

great listen

This was a great listen, I really enjoyed the book and there were a few twists that I didn't see coming. The narrative style was perfect, the whole idea of a "cast" reading was great for the structure of the book. I have always been a fan of Anita Shreve, and this book doesn't disappoint.

Should be read in every high school

This was a quick but good story to show how quickly our decisions can change and alter so many lives when we think with our bodies and not our minds. The ramifications and pain caused for a lifetimes by moments that can never be taken back. Whether you’re an adult or a child. Also love books read in this format, each person taking their turn to speak and articulate their feelings in regards to it all. A quick enjoyable read.

Biased towards men-excuses them for their behavior

I cannot listen to this any more. Its all about the "poor" boys and what happens to them and how their lives were affected-nothing about the young 14 year old girl that they raped. She is portrayed as "wanting it" like women always are. I am not sure it it ever gets around to her pain but I can't listen any longer. Too many women have dealt with this for too long. This is a horrible book and I want my money back.