Uncle Silas [Classic Tales Edition]

By: J. Sheridan LeFanu

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Length: 17 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

Mystery surrounds Maud Ruthyn in this quintessential gothic novel. Her melancholy father forbids her to ask or inquire anything concerning his misfortunate brother - Silas. From what she can gather, Silas was once a handsome, ambitious young man, but in his later years, he shrank into obscurity. Why? And why is Maud's governess, Madame de la Rougerre, so curious about her father's will? Why is she so cruel? And how will Maude ever find answers from the enigmatic characters that surround her in the spectral castle of Bartram-Hough?

Public Domain (P)2011 B.J. Harrison

Dude narrates adolescent girl's story

What made the experience of listening to Uncle Silas [Classic Tales Edition] the most enjoyable?

This is a very "dark and stormy" night read/listen and I probably should have waited for the appropriate weather to fully appreciate the story. But even on a hot and sunny day, if you are a lover of old gothic tales, this is a good one.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

So here's a weird choice--while this book was written by a man, the main character and narrator is an adolescent girl. So having a dude narrate the book seemed odd. At first I thought maybe there was some framing and that we'd eventually be hearing more from male characters but nope. Mostly our heroine (Maude) and her cousins (Millie and Monica). I eventually got used to it but it made the first bit of the story really hard to get into as my brain adjusted.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I am not sure that all the mysteries were 100% tied up at the end, but in general this was a pretty satisfying tale.

Misogynistic and anti-Semitic

The story was compelling, but it was difficult to ignore the anti-Semitic and misogynistic jabs throughout.

Gothic gem

In true 19th century gothic style, delivers all the otherworldly creepiness, gorgeous landscapes, twisted dark hallways in sedate mansions, and a heroine whose sanity is tried to the utmost. Very entertaining and the narrator was amazing!

A Great Story!

This tale will put the fear of God in you. Great narrator too who could do multiple women’s voices in the same conversation.

Do Not Waste Your Time

Uncle Silas is perhaps the worst book I have ever read. The plot is insipid, the characters are cartoonish and the book is far too long. Having a male read a story in which a young girl is the narrator compounded the many shortcomings of this book. Audible should remove the book from its library to prevent other subscribers from wasting their time listening to it.

Just. no.

Not what I expected. Sorry. I am sure someone will like it. Not me though.