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Vera

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Vera

By: Elizabeth Von Arnim
Narrated by: Nicki Paull
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About this listen

Lucy Entwhistle's beloved father has just died; aged twenty-two she finds herself alone in the world. Leaning against her garden gate, dazed and unhappy, she is disturbed by the sudden appearance of the perspiring Mr Wemyss. This middle-aged man is also in mourning - for his wife Vera, who has died in mysterious circumstances. Before Lucy can collect herself, Mr Wemyss has taken charge: of the funeral arrangements, of her kind aunt Dot, but most of all of Lucy herself - body and soul.

©1907 Elizabeth von Arnim, & 1921. The Estate of Elizabeth, Countess Russell, 1941. (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Marriage Scary

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Editor reviews

A bleak but comic psychological portrait of a young innocent, Lucy Entwhistle, and her domineering husband. Lucy meets Everard Wemyss on the day of her father's funeral, while Wemyss is still mourning the recent loss of his wife, Vera. The two fall in something like love, and Everard convinces Lucy to marry him. But Lucy eventually learns the disturbing true extent of her new husband's controlling quirks, and glimpses the real story behind his first wife’s death. Australian actress Nicki Paull provides a smooth, distinguished narration of this cautionary tale, said to be based on author Elizabeth von Arnim’s second marriage to Bertrand Russell’s brother.

Critic reviews

"Elizabeth Von Arnim is a mistress of irony." (Lisa St Aubin de Terán (novelist))
"The success of the film Enchanted April renewed interest in Australian-born author Elizabeth Von Arnim's work. She felt Vera, published in 1921, was her best. Vera is the wife of the late Edvard Wemyss, who has died under mysterious circumstances before the novel opens, but who, nonetheless, is a force throughout. Nicki Paull brings this macabre story to life, breathing life into innocent Lucy; self-absorbed, creepy Mr. Wemyss; and suspicious, impotent Aunt Dot. With her voice, Paull becomes the bizarre personalities of these characters. Her performance will make your skin crawl as you listen in fascination, knowing there's nothing you can do to rescue the doomed Lucy. The inclusion of extensive biographical information at the start and conclusion of the book provides context for the story." (AudioFile Magazine)
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I was utterly gripped. Way ahead of its time. Like nothing else I've read. Great.

gripping and terrifying in a quiet, subtle way

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This is a moving story, brilliantly narrated. The tension builds and the whole is quite gripping.

Vera

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I have no idea why this author is not more well read and known. I think she is highly skilled at writing and want to read every single novel by her. She so perfectly captures the plight of women in the early 20th century, but with such clever wit and humour. The characters and story are brilliantly written and developed. These are highly addictive reads/ listens. You just want to know what happens next and end up with such strong feelings, positive and negative to the characters she creates. Vera in particular was very well narrated. I'm still reeling! But oh for small mercies!

I love her books, Vera did not disappoint!

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so shivery! that people like this exist! narrator was nice but her voices grated a little, especially Lucy who sounded maybe like someone had struck her once too often with a brick to the head when younger...

creepy story!

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The narration is easy and enjoyable although Lucy’s voice is comically child like and a cliché, a parody, which perhaps does truly suit her character. This is such a perfect book although written a hundred years or more ago in the days of dog carts, domestic service and male dominance. Everard Weemys is the most ghastly narcissist yet there is at first a creepy understanding of his appeal and somehow the decades of age gap between him and Lucy somehow surmountable. For me Aunt Dot is just perfect, a fine role model for a lady today even. I loved her.

Comedic value is there to be enjoyed alongside the gothic horror of Lucy’s predicament at The Willows, a precursor of Manderley many years later. Vera’s presence as the first Mrs Everard Weemys is as solid and recognisable as the first Mrs de Winter. A tremendously worthwhile listen although it does end rather abruptly. The introduction is best reheard after that as it will make more sense than it does before listening.

Considered EvA’s best novel

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The narrator of this was fine and possibly better than most until she attempted to personify each character with their own voice, at which point I internally cringed and this repeated reaction became utterly distracting before the plot had really developed. Lucy’s thin, reedy, upper-crust voice inspired no sympathy, at all and takes her character miles away from the author’s intentions, I suspect. I generally gobble EVA novels but, combined with utterly dreary music between chapters (completely unnecessary), this one was a struggle.

Good but…awful narration

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This book is not a barel of laughs particularly when it comes to women's issues but it's use of language is great particularly when it comes to the moè humorous aspects of the humorous aspect of the book. It ìs very gothic in nature.

I feel like I have said this a lot in book review recently but I am mighty glad to be living in the time that I do as a woman

This is a gripping book but be careful

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This is my third book of hers and once again, I was completely enthralled by her characters and storytelling, This managed to be both a comedic and terrifying. My blood is boiling now.

She’s done it again,

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I tried hard to read this but honestly the narration was really poor and the 'voice' used for the central character was too grating to listen to.

Defeated by the narration

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The character of the husband was horrid, well developed and described, but repellent. I normally listen to a book a few times, but couldn't bring myself to it with this one.

The feelings of unease and desire to change the plot!

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