The Duchess of Wrexe


Read by Simon Evers

(4.6 stars; 19 reviews)

Rachel, a spirited young girl, has to choose between Francis Breton, her difficult cousin who has been disowned by the family, and Roddy Seddon, a conventional and rather boring but wealthy young man. She chooses Roddy but the marriage begins to collapse, and she meets Francis again.
Looming over them is the spectre of the Duchess, Rachel’s grandmother, who rules the family and favours Roddy. Also in the mix is Lizzie Rand, secretary to Aunt Adela, who lives in the same house as Breton.
Set against the world of high society in London at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the book follows the characters as their lives are profoundly altered following a serious accident to one of them. (Summary by Simon Evers) (15 hr 30 min)

Chapters

Book 1, Chapter 1 26:07 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 2 33:05 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 3 21:59 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 4 21:49 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 5 20:07 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 6 16:12 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 7 26:19 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 8 18:21 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 9 26:14 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 10 27:48 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 11 19:41 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 12 23:01 Read by Simon Evers
Book 1, Chapter 13 16:45 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 1 20:54 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 2 27:28 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 3 25:12 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 4 20:19 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 5 23:00 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 6 24:57 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 7 18:49 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 8 23:53 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 9 21:59 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 10 18:01 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 11 34:28 Read by Simon Evers
Book 2, Chapter 12 44:50 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 1 23:54 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 2 31:38 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 3 21:09 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 4 29:40 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 5 39:11 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 6 30:19 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 7 21:07 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 8 28:40 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 9 7:43 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 10 24:26 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 11 18:47 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 12 25:13 Read by Simon Evers
Book 3, Chapter 13 27:10 Read by Simon Evers

Reviews

Masterpiece Performance and Novel


(5 stars)

When you take, for example, a piece of classical music and put it in the hands of the average violinist you can usually grasp the intent of the composer; but when you put the same piece in the hands of an Itzak Pearlman or a Joshua Bell, you get something extraordinary that might even exceed the expectations of its author. Such might be the case here with Simon Evers performance of this relatively unknown classic by Hugh Walpole. As an experiment, this reviewer took the time to both read and listen to several chapters of this incredible novel simultaneously to truly understand the significance of what Mr. Evers brings to his interpretations of both dialogue and thought in this powerful story. Hugh Walpole writes with a certain clear simplicity to build a series of very complex power struggles between the rather thoughtful and mostly likable characters. Reading the story was one thing, however it was simply amazing to listen to. Stunning, towards the end. This is probably the best story you never heard. Thank you Simon Evers for another masterpiece performance.


(4 stars)

A pretty good story. Had me guessing a few times. Could do without the last couple chapters' pontification, but that's characteristic of books of this time period. As always, SE's reading is immaculate.


(5 stars)

The ending was not quite what I expected. A good book overall. Simon Evers is such an excellent reader.

A bit boring especially towards the end. Great reader!


(2 stars)

a

Simon Evers brings a tale to life!


(5 stars)