The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
Read by David Barnes
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novella by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. London lawyer Utterson is driven to investigate Edward Hyde, the unlikely protégé of his friend Dr Henry Jekyll, suspecting the relationship to be founded on blackmail. The truth is worse than he could have imagined. Jekyll’s ‘full statement of the case’, the final chapter of the book, explores the idea of dual personality that led him to his experiments, and his inexorable and finally fatal descent into evil.
(Summary by David Barnes) (3 hr 8 min)
Chapters
| Chapter 1 to 3 | 43:03 | Read by David Barnes |
| Chapter 4 to 7 | 38:51 | Read by David Barnes |
| Chapter 8 to 9 | 52:33 | Read by David Barnes |
| Chapter 10 | 53:58 | Read by David Barnes |
Reviews
A perfect reading.
44blue
The reader’s enunciation and pacing are perfect. I wept during the last chapter. What a masterpiece is this! Who among us does not understand this duality? Stevenson’s masterpiece is cheapened by familiarity, and pop diminution; that’s what our society does to everything. Thank you, sir, for this perfect reading. You restore a brilliant work.
Good but slow
Alex Gordon
Good narration, clear, distinct, but very slowly read. Thankfully the app lets you increase playback speed so it was possible to set it at a good pace.
Great story & Wonderful Reader!
Stephanie
I wish it hadn't taken me so long to discover this site! But I am certainly elated at having done so!! That said, nearly every Reader has done their duty by the authors whose works they are Reading for us, I am not sure if I could listen to the same books and short stories Read by another person. This particular recording of Stevenson's 'Jekyll & Hyde' tale is a great example. The Reader, David Barnes, has ownership of a fantastic skill - his tone, especially - fits this tale like a glove. The story itself, is sadder than I had thought it would be. Just let me assure you that this is one of the greatest books in history, written by one of the greatest authors (he and Stephen King have been my two favorites since I was 11 🤓). Add to that a wonderful Reader like David Barnes..this book is totally worth your time. You will know why this story keeps returning to us in film and television, in the past and certainly will continue to do in the future. Thank you to Librivox and thank you thank you to Mr. Barnes!
One Of My Favorite Books
Grant Hayes
I first listened to this book out of curiosity. I have known the basic concept of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde since I was a child, but like most individuals, only knew the several various adaptations of the story. I listened to this recording while at work and was instantly taken by the way the book presents itself - an outsider's perspective written with the feeling of a detective story. It makes me wish I didn't know the concept of the story in advance, as it would have been an amazing read. I expected the story to be about a horrifying monster, laced with fear and uncertainty. Instead, I find the story to be reasonable and intriguing, bordering scientific with an air of fantasy. The recording is quite good. I have just finished listening to it a 3rd time, and feel the story is still as well written as my first impression allowed me to believe. I highly recommend it.
Well read but a disappointing book
Amy Mason
For what's considered a classic and used as an example in school to teach kids about writing techniques, this is an extremely boring book. If I hadn't come in with high expectations of it being a masterpiece I don't think I would've been so disappointed, hence my rating. I'm sure if I was listening without prior cultural knowledge of the reveal, I may have enjoyed it more, however I think it's the mark of a good book if you can still enjoy it despite it being "spoiled". Excellent reader though!
An old classic made new!
J.B.
I enjoyed experiencing the classic tale of the lost Dr. Henry Jekyll with new excitement through the performance of Mr. Clarke. Each character is brought to life and, thus, I felt all the same thrills I remember upon reading the story for the first time many years ago. It really was a wonderful way to spend some free time!
Enjoyable!
TwinkieToes
Ditto the other reviewers. David Barnes is a great reader. It's funny, though, listening to the first two sections and knowing the "secret". I tried to imagine how the original readers would have thought and reacted, but I just couldn't do it. First three sections are all the mystery; the last section/chapter gives the explanation.
A True Classic with an Excellent Reader
Laura Kimzey
Having read this story before, I wasn't surprised by Stevenson's masterful writing that grips your heart and touches your soul in this classic mystery. I was, however, pleasantly surprised by the skilled reader! The accent and emphasis was great and made this listening easy. Thank you!