HESTER

Georgina Sutton delivers a crisp, precise performance of this audiobook, which follows the Vernon family through three volumes of Victorian history and manners. With a lovely voice and crystal-clear accent, Sutton maneuvers through a ponderous plot with as much life as one could offer. Her pace is brisk, and her enunciation is razor-sharp. Indeed, Sutton's skill drives the dialogue and extensive exposition quite well. The story of Catherine Vernon's rise to leadership in the family business--to say nothing of the machinations surrounding her role--is an engaging one, but the complex sentence structure and meticulously detailed plot make this a challenging listen. Even with a skilled narrator and excellent production values, this is likely an audiobook for the dedicated listener, rather than the casual one. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2024]