Apple Tree Yard

A Novel

By: Louise Doughty

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 14 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

An intelligent, erotically charged thriller with deep moral implications

Yvonne Carmichael, renowned geneticist, public authority, happily married mother of two, sits in the accused box. The charge is murder. Across the courtroom, not meeting her eye, sits her alleged accomplice. He wears the beautiful pin-striped suit he wore on their first meeting in the Houses of Parliament, when he put his hand on her elbow, guided her to a deserted and ancient chapel, and began to undress her. As the barrister’s voice grows low and sinuous, Yvonne realizes she’s lost herself and the life she’d built so carefully to a man who never existed at all.

After their first liaison, Yvonne’s lover tells her very little about himself, but she comes to suspect his secrecy has an explanation connected with the British government. So thrilled and absorbed is she in her newfound sexual power that she fails to notice the real danger about to blindside her from a seemingly innocuous angle. Then, reeling from an act of violence, Yvonne discovers that her desire for justice and revenge has already been compromised. Everything hinges on one night in a dark little alley called Apple Tree Yard.

©2013 Louise Doughty (P)2013 Canongate Books Ltd. in partnership with Faber and Faber Ltd. and used by arrangement, all rights reserved. Published by Brilliance Audio.

Brilliant Weaving of Lives

This novel entranced me with suspense and emotional truth. Flashforwards and flashbacks wove a powerful story of characters compelled by desire to ruin. I loved the brilliance of the author's talent. I invite you to fall into this tale heart first.

brilliant performance of a brilliant novel

A profound exploration of the myriad lies we accept from others, tell to others, and above all tell ourselves--this is the first of Doughty's work I've read, and I can hardly wait to read more.
Juliet Stevenson's phenomenal reading--I should say her artistry--both illuminates and enhances the author's perfect craftsmanship. I have listened to several of her other Audible performances and every time have been bowled over not just by her acting genius by but her extraordinary knowledge of human nature itself and of how emotions, experience, and characacter can be evoked with the tiniest pause or inflection or in the most subtle vocal mannerism. I would happily listen to her read the text on a cereal box, but how fantastic it is to hear her read novels like this one that provokes listeners to think deeply about truth, to understand how perilous and precious our relationships are, and to feel the heart open as we do.

Not bad

The narration was right on. To me the narrator IS Yvonne. I felt like I knew the main character so well by the end. The plot is no more than a solid 3, however, in my book.

Long and drawn out

This is a good story, but it is just too long. I ended up skipping thru chunks and didn’t really miss much.

Slow start, disappointing end

It took me several tries to get into this book, but once I was there, I enjoyed the ride. I found the ending disappointing, however.

The narrator is great, however. She did a great job of giving each character his or her own voice.

masterful, intelligent, unputdownable thriller

If you could sum up Apple Tree Yard in three words, what would they be?

compulsive, engrossing, intelligent

Who was your favorite character and why?

Yvonne, the protagonist

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

She is a master at storytelling and her voices are superb. I would listen to her read the telephone directory.

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

twisting, turning, provocative thriller

Any additional comments?

Best audiobook I have read this year. Juliet Stevenson gives an exceptional performance. Wonderful

Brilliant audio

Listened to this audio after watching the Series on BBC. How more rewarding the experience was. The beautiful and talented Juliette Stevenson is beyond belief. Worth every penny!

So much more than a crime novel

I seldom read crime novels, but I am really glad I got the Apple Tree Yard.I found it to be a real masterpiece - the descriptions of feelings and thoughts are so compelling, so true. This book is so much more than a crime novel - it is like a slice of life, an in depth look into what drives us to do what we do, to make the choices we make. I really hope to be able to listen to more works by Louse Doughty. Juliet Stevenson's narration is excellent as always.

No apples in that yard!

Not sure what to make of this story. It did keep me engaged but the "erotic' part seemed very contrived and the " surprise" ending not much of a surprise to those paying attention. On the other hand, it was narrated by the incomparable Juliet Stevenson (who said she liked this book a lot). Good enough for me and some escapist hours.

Fantastic

I really enjoyed the story, the writing style, and the narrator's performance was simply outstanding. This is a strong character study. There are some plot points not fully explained, that is the only disappointment.