The Mysteries of Udolpho

By: Ann Ward Radcliffe

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

This was the most popular novel of Radcliffe's time; Radcliffe's portrayal of her heroine's inner life raised the Gothic romance to a new level. The atmosphere of fear and the gripping plot continue to thrill today.

This is the story of the orphaned Emily St Aubert, who finds herself separated from the man she loves and confined within the Castle of Udolpho by her aunt's new husband Montoni. Here she must cope with an unwanted suitor, Montoni's threats, and the wild imaginings and terrors which threaten to overwhelm her.

Public Domain (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Be sure to read this in the woods at night

The performance is brilliant and the story has more fainting women than all other gothic stories combined. It is that scary.

It's Jane Austen's fault.

I'd read that Ann Ward Radcliffe was one of Jane Austen's favorite writers. I was curious. And then I was bored. And then I was exhausted. The narrator is brilliant. I'd listen to her again.

Delightful book!

I've been wanting to read this book ever since I read Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen, which is probably the reason why most people read it today. What a fun listen! Admittedly, this book is somewhat shallow; it's kind of like the late 1700s equivalent of the Twilight series, but without the vampires. I think it would have appealed to the same audience of teenage girls. Anyway, it's a delightful book if taken in context, and the performance is good.

Absolutely dated but still wonderful

For me, old books like this one are like a trip back in time. This was a wildly popular book in its day, and it gives me a little thrill to know that Jane Austen read this same book! First, before you tackle this book, be aware that it's about the journey. If you just want to know what happens, you can probably find a summary in Wikipedia. If you want to savor the writing styles and customs of the 18th century, then jump in! Second, know that it takes hours for this book to get going--there is substanial setup, but it's all important. Later on, Emily is constantly in peril, which starts to become amusing after awhile! Third, you'll need a good vocabulary, or you'll miss the wry humor and some of the important plot points.

I almost gave up on this book within the first 8 hours because so little happened. I'm glad I kept with it because MANY things happen later on! Also, be aware that the women in this book are not strong heroines. They are constantly fainting, weeping, and becoming ill because of mental stress. They need to be rescued and they're dependent on strong men to protect them. Again, it's a trip back in time, and I think it provides a lot of insight into the way people of the time thought. You probably don't want to be like any of the characters in this novel, but reading about their exploits is still fun! I personally loved the gothic settings and the looming horrors. There are evil relations, supernatural goings-on, brave and loyal servants, dangerous criminals lurking in the landscape, stalwart hereos, and everyone seems to have secrets! I even enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the scenery and the various plants growing around (Emily did study botany, after all). It takes about a full hour to wrap up all the loose ends at the end of the book. Some of it is a bit contrived, but I found it worth the journey!

Excellent

First rate rendering of a most important classic.
While this novel is applauded as an early gothic, it is far too luxuriantly written to overlook the elegance and sheer beauty of its prose.