Last Updated on by Nishil Prasad
With her talent for bringing characters to life and impeccable delivery, Stevenson is one of the most esteemed narrators in the industry today. From classics to contemporary works, she has lent her voice to a diverse range of literary gems, enchanting listeners with her expressive storytelling.
In this article, we embark on a journey through some of the best Juliet Stevenson audiobooks, exploring the breadth of her talent. Whether you are a long-time admirer of Stevenson’s work or a newcomer eager to discover her magic, this selection would easily showcase the mastery she brings to each narration.
10 Best Juliet Stevenson Audiobooks
1. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
The story begins with Margaret Hale, a spirited young woman who is uprooted from her comfortable rural existence in Hampshire and thrust into the harsh realities of the industrialized North. As she settles in Milton, an industrial town inspired by Gaskell’s own experiences in Manchester, Margaret undergoes a profound transformation.
Juliet Stevenson deftly conveys Margaret’s initial sense of disgust and alienation, allowing listeners to feel the stark contrast between the tranquil countryside and the gritty world of factories and poverty. Whether you are a fan of classic literature, or historical fiction, or simply appreciate a compelling tale of societal change and love, this audiobook is a must-listen.
2. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
In this groundbreaking novel, Woolf revolutionizes the art of storytelling, utilizing the internal monologues of her characters to paint a vivid portrait of inter-war England, where the boundaries between time, memory, and human connection blur in ethereal beauty. Set on a June day in 1923, Mrs Dalloway revolves around Clarissa Dalloway, a woman of grace and social standing who is preparing for a party.
Woolf’s use of stream-of-consciousness narrative is brought to life with Stevenson’s masterful interpretation. She skillfully captures Clarissa’s inner thoughts, desires, and reflections, allowing listeners to intimately experience her innermost struggles, hopes, and regrets. If you love classical works, then our list of the best classic audiobooks would be right up your alley!
3. Middlemarch by George Eliot
George Eliot’s magnum opus stands as a towering masterpiece in English literature. Within its pages, Eliot skillfully weaves together a medley of vivid characters and complex societal themes. At its heart is Dorothea Brooke, a passionate idealist who finds herself married to the cold and scholarly Casaubon.
The audiobook expertly captures the broader societal canvas against which the personal dramas unfold. Stevenson effortlessly navigates the intricate web of political and social dynamics through her performance, mirroring the ever-changing world of 19th-century England, from the complexities of social class to the themes of ambition, betrayal, and disappointment.
4. Once Upon a River by Diane Setterfield
Set against the backdrop of a dark midwinter’s night along the mystical Thames, this atmospheric tale weaves together elements of folklore, suspense, romance, and scientific curiosity. The story unfolds on a fateful night in an ancient inn, where the regulars find themselves captivated by the tales they spin. If you love listening to mysterious stories, this list of the best mystery audiobooks is made for you!
But when an injured stranger bursts through the doors carrying the lifeless body of a drowned child, the story takes an extraordinary turn. Hours later, the seemingly lifeless girl miraculously comes back to life, leaving everyone in the inn bewildered and questioning the boundaries of reality. Stevenson’s ability to capture the essence of each individual, their hopes, fears, and desires, adds layers of richness to Setterfield’s already beautifully crafted storytelling.
5. Persuasion by Jane Austen
At the core of the story is Anne Elliot, a woman who has silently mourned the loss of her first love, Captain Frederick Wentworth, for seven long years. The audiobook blends moments of gentle comedy, societal critique, and heartfelt emotions, inviting you into a world where love and fidelity triumph over deceit and societal expectations.
From the elegant salons to the subtleties of social interactions, you are transported to the Regency era, where the rules of propriety shape the lives and choices of Austen’s characters. Stevenson’s nuanced performance captures the subtle humour and the underlying poignancy that characterize Austen’s prose.
6. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
The novel follows Alma Whittaker, the brilliant and independent-minded daughter of Henry Whittaker—a self-made man who rose from humble origins to become the wealthiest man in Philadelphia through his success in the South American quinine trade. With Alma as the novel’s focal point, Gilbert intertwines the realms of science, art, and spirituality, immersing listeners in Alma’s quest for knowledge and her exploration of the natural world.
As the novel explores themes of science, religion, commerce, and class, the audiobook serves as a window into a transformative period in human history, where old assumptions collided with groundbreaking ideas. The audiobook takes you on a sweeping adventure across continents, from London to Peru, Philadelphia to Tahiti, and beyond, and Stevenson’s versatile narration brings each location to life.
7. A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II by Sonia Purnell
A Woman of No Importance explores themes of science, religion, commerce, and class, the audiobook serves as a window into a transformative period in human history, where old assumptions collided with groundbreaking ideas. Virginia Hall, a Baltimore socialite, infiltrated the Special Operations Executive, an elite spy organization during World War II. For fans of history, our compilation of the best history audiobooks is a must-read.
Despite the challenges she faced, including a prosthetic leg, Virginia became the first Allied woman to be deployed behind enemy lines. This is not just a story of espionage; it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of a woman who refused to be deterred by adversity. Virginia Hall’s commitment to her cause, even as her face adorned wanted posters and her life was in constant danger, showcases her dedication to the liberation of France from the Nazis.
8. Miss Benson’s Beetle: An Uplifting Story of Female Friendship Against the Odds by Rachel Joyce
Set in 1950, Margery Benson makes a life-altering decision to leave her mundane job behind and embark on a daring expedition to search for a rare beetle in a far-flung corner of the world. Enid Pretty, an unexpected and unlikely companion in her pink travel suit, joins Margery on this extraordinary quest.
As Margery and Enid venture into the unknown, risking everything and breaking societal rules, a mesmerizing adventure unfolds. Rachel Joyce skillfully balances the exhilaration of their quest with introspection and personal growth. Stevenson’s narration beautifully conveys the emotional depth of the story, allowing you to connect intimately with the characters and their journeys of self-discovery.
9. Belgravia by Julian Fellowes
Belgravia unfolds against the backdrop of the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, as the lives of the aristocratic Trenchard family become intertwined with the elite denizens of Belgravia. The story begins at the Duchess of Richmond’s legendary ball, a fateful evening that forever alters the course of one family’s destiny. As the narrative jumps forward to the 1840s, Fellowes expertly explores the repercussions of that night, delving into the intricacies of class, ambition, and the pursuit of love.
As the secrets of Belgravia gradually unravel, the audiobook sweeps you into a world of scandal, intrigue, and personal transformations. Julian Fellowes interweaves multiple storylines, creating a narrative of interconnected lives and hidden desires. Stevenson’s narration enhances the tension and emotional depth of the narrative, keeping you captivated and eager to unravel the mysteries that lie beneath the surface.
10. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Narrated with grace and sensitivity by Juliet Stevenson, Sarah Waters’ exquisite prose transports listeners back in time, painting a vivid portrait of 1920s London. Her meticulous attention to detail captures the societal tensions, the yearning for change, and the aftermath of war that permeate the atmosphere. The novel centres around the lives of Mrs Wray and her daughter Frances, whose genteel existence is disrupted when they are compelled to take in lodgers to ease their financial struggles.
Enter Lilian and Leonard Barber, a young couple from the “clerk class.” As the Wrays’ lives intertwine with their new tenants, hidden desires, and passions come to the fore, and the consequences are far-reaching and devastating. Through her richly drawn characters and intricate plot, Waters delves into themes of class, desire, and the consequences of suppressing one’s true self. If you liked reading this article, you might also like our piece on the best Therese Plummer audiobooks.
