Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Definitely. I bought the audiobook based on Nicholas Boulton's voice which is mellifluous and a joy to listen to. I read the reviews on Amazon & Goodread & decided to take a punt. I didn't think I was going to enjoy the story, but once I got into it, I struggled to stop listening to it for the last 1/3rd of the recording. Nicholas Boulton is so much more than a narrator, he is a fabulous actor. I don't think I would have finished the book if I had read it. The hero had a stroke and in the first part of his journey back to health, understandably can't form his words, and must be quite hard to read. In this regard, listening to N.B reading it as an actor was wonderful. He brought the book alive. I would recommend it to fellow listeners who love Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights. It is in the style of Georgette Heyer but so much meatier, less fluffy and so well written. I was sad when it ended.
What did you like best about this story?
The whole story was good, it continually moved along without getting stuck or a bit 'boggy' as some stories tend to do in the middle. I liked all the characters in the story, both good and bad. I was a little frustrated/annoyed with the heroine, Maddy, for her piety, but as a Quaker, that was the point. She came good in the end so that was a triumph for sense over religion (apologies to those who read this who are of a religious zealous persuasion). It's the second Laura Kinsale book that I've read that has a religious or cult theme - not sure what Fraud would say about her, or maybe she just likes writing about tortured religious souls? In brief, selfish, arrogant Mr Rochester-type-character (Christian, Duke of Jervoux) who lives life on his terms, has a stroke. Put in an asylum. Quaker girl cares for him (she met him pre-stroke through her father as both men genius mathematicians). He ends up relying on her totally while she understands his needs & helps him to manage his condition. She turns his world upside down through her kind deeds & simple life & he upends hers, literally and awakens her sexually. It is a very beautiful slow-burn love story.
Which character – as performed by Nicholas Boulton – was your favourite?
The hero, Christian, who was such a well-developed character through the hands of Laura Kinsale. Each time he fights to get his point across and can't, because of his stroke, she makes you feel his pain & frustration. He is a strong character who won't be beaten & I loved him better than I did Maddy, who at times I wanted to be more feisty (as she was at the beginning of the book & became less so as the book progressed)
Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I didn't really laugh (it wasn't like her Lessons in French that is humorous), but Christian's best friends are amusing especially the one who has brawn but no brains. His formidable aunt is also quite amusing. I didn't cry but I had a lump in my throat at the end of the book when Christian gave his speech at the Quakers meeting house & then to Maddy in the graveyard. He was brought to his knees & laid his soul bare. What compassionate woman couldn't be moved by that.
Any additional comments?
Buy the audiobook. Nicholas Boulton is a genius ! Great story, you'll love it.