John Marchmont's Legacy
Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Read by Cate Barratt
Like Wuthering Heights, the center of this story is a dramatic love triangle, the setting is a huge English manor. Olivia Marchmont has always "done her duty." However, when she falls in love and her beloved is in love with another woman, the malice of her heart is released in full view. In this dramatic tale, the vivid description of the country is also important- as if nature has a part in it. Unlike many novels, nobody gets what they deserve at the end. Or do they? Read and decide for yourself. (Summary by Stav Nisser) (17 hr 6 min)
Chapters
Reviews
2nd listening
Katie
I just had to hear this story again. I picked up a lot more this time. Still cried like a baby. Poor Mary.
Attention grabber!!
Book lover ð
I love this book, it held my attention throughout, I couldn't wait to find out what was coming next. I feel bad for Mary, she went through alot, and Belinda seemed like she was settling for 2nd but I loved the book anyway!
absolutely fascinating
Elaine
Cate is one of the best readers on LibriVox and this is a good story; rather long at 17 hours but holds your attention; you can imagine the upper classes of the time gossiping about their neighbours and scheming to get their daughters married off into wealthy families: some reviewers feel sorry for Mary, but it’s Edward I feel sorry for: if you like cate Barrett, then try Toppletons client for a light read by John Kendrick bangs
Another good one!
Lori K
Her books have been hit or miss with me. Thankfully, like Lady Audley's Secret, this one is a hit. A couple of sad events occurred but I wasn't left in a sad state. The story held my attention the whole way through. I was kept in suspense. My only slight gripe is the lack of consequences.
exceptional
C
take time to longer over this. the psychological exploration is what sets Bradden apart from other Gothic storytellers. the description of Paul Marchmont's self-immolation at the end deserves to sit with Hawthorne's description of the rocking chair in House of 7 Gables. Bradden's descriptions of places rivals Dickens.
So good!
A LibriVox Listener
Rather sad, but I really enjoyed it. The reader did a great job!
Interesting philosophy. Fast Delivery
Clearspace
Drama, plot all tense with hints of impending catastrophe. Replete with philosophical musings and conjectures. However the never wavering and constant speed of delivery made it hard for the reader to reflect on deep thoughts on life proffered by this novel. Some more dramatic reading responding to the thoughts emotions and dialogues would have made this a more enjoyable and beneficial experience
duncalino aka ellene
A LibriVox Listener
If you have any doubt about giving this novel a go be advised that Cate Barratt is one of the top readers I have heard on LibriVox. I am just beginning the story and I am knocked out by her command of nuance and language. On that basis along with the description of the novel this promises to be a memorable experience