Lady Audley's Secret

De: Mary Elizabeth Braddon

Narrado por: Olivia Poulet

Summary

From the author of The Christmas Hirelings comes this Audible Exclusive production of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s classic sensation novel Lady Audley’s Secret. English actress Olivia Poulet gives an assured and captivating narration; a cornerstone of the genre and a scandal at the time of its publication, Lady Audley’s Secret is an entertaining and shocking tale of high drama and shifting perceptions. Finding herself at the centre of an investigation into the disappearance of a local man, the beautiful yet mysterious Lady Audley must use all her deceit and cunning to prevent the truth being discovered.

About the book

Published in 1862, Lady Audley’s Secret is one of Mary Elizabeth Braddon’s most successful and well-known pieces of work. A founding text of the sensation novel genre, it delivers high drama with mystery, intrigue and plot twists aplenty. Comfortable in her place as a Lady of Audley Court, the beautiful and enchanting Lucy Graham soon finds her status brought into question following the disappearance of a man recently returned from Australia. As the hunt for the missing man intensifies, the threads of Lady Audley’s story begin to unravel, and our antiheroine must do all she can to prevent her past from catching up with her. Playing on Victorian anxieties about the domestic sphere and social mobility, Lady Audley’s Secret was a scandal for its Victorian audience. Its engrossing secrets and startling revelations continue to shock and entertain to this day.

About the Author

Mary Elizabeth Braddon was a popular English author who earned success in the Victorian era with her sensation novels. Born in London in 1835, she was raised by her mother, Fanny, after her parents’ separation. As a teenager Mary first began working as an actress, but after eight years, and with declining popularity and waning interest, she instead turned to writing. Her prolific output resulted in over 80 novels and 150 short stories as well as plays and articles. Braddon is best known for her novel Lady Audley’s Secret, which combines elements of the detective novel, the psychological thriller and the romantic comedy to become one of the most successful novels of the 19th century.

About the Narrator

Olivia Poulet is an English actress and screenwriter who made her acting debut in 2001 in episodes of Teachers and The Bill. Born in London in 1978, Olivia attended Putney High School before becoming a drama graduate of Manchester University. With appearances in film and on radio and stage, she is best known for her work on television, starring in the multi-award-winning British shows Outnumbered, The Thick of It, Sherlock and Holby City.

Public Domain (P)2019 Audible, Ltd

Meh

I had to slow the speed down due to the anxious way in which the reader read this. It made it sound so hurried and important, it was downright stressful.

The story was a little slow, as is to be expected of all stories from that time period, but I found myself zoning out for chapters at a time. There were definitely plenty of twists and turns and I liked the end, but I wouldn't listen to it again.

Loved the historical aspects……

This is a very good novel—-there is really no secret to figure out but rather how the other characters figure it out. As a historian I particularly enjoyed the glimpse into life in the 1860’s when this was published. It is somewhat verbose like all 19th century writing but gives you an appreciation for wordcraft. Great narration!

Slow start

It seemed like a slow beginning to me and it wasn’t until about 1/3 of way through that the pace ( less tedious details) picked up. That being said I did enjoy the book.

Holds up very, very well

This reads smoothly and feels very modern. The storyline is well done, and the author is good at creating a feeling of suspense. The reader is excellent. I expected this to be a little verbose or "stuffy" or slow like other works from this time period can be, but felt fresh and moved quickly - I enjoyed it and recommend

Reminiscent of Jane Austen

There's a little too much drama in the characters thought process but that also reminds me of Jane Austen's characters. It was a good, clean, story with mystery as well.

Mystery

This book has several themes within it. The characters are well written. Setting is very British. There are times in the book the author waxes poetic and it distracts at the time the story should move on.

Omg! Another Jane Austen, but a murder mystery

Rather than a love story. Still, it was riveting and I loved it!! I didn't expect to be all that interested in this book but the narrator was lovely - similar to Juliet Stevenson. Loved the plot and meandering of the story.

great novel in the tradition of Collins or Austen

I rarely write reviews, but I enjoed this immensely.
The gorgeous prose was complemented perfectly by Ms. Poulet's beautiful narration.

The settings and characters were all drawn with an interesting and believable quality, and the story was greatly satisfying .

Captivating

This book started out really slow and I almost wanted to stop reading but I kept with it, paying close attention to names and circumstances. I must say, I soon became very engrossed in the book. My heart broke for George several times throughout and I couldn't help but to think, if I were to up and disappear, there'd be no greater friend to have than, a friend like Robert. The secrets, blatant lies and conniving nature of Helen and her father were just flat out detestable. It was amazing to learn the full truth and even more the ends at which Robert had gone to uncover them. There is truly no greater love than that of genuine family and friends. This book will definitely make it on my "Read Again" list.

Captivating story

The narration was excellent and the story was intricate and engrossing. A must read.