NEMESIS AND THE SWAN

This well-written and beautifully performed story about the French Revolution is seen through the eyes of a young aristocrat. Hélène d'Aubign's life is recounted in flashbacks as she awaits trial in jail. Narrator Sarah Naughton draws listeners in with her splendid pronunciation of the French phrases scattered throughout this audiobook. Naughton's most stunning scene is the near rape that occurs after Hélène refuses to marry a man she does not love. The brutal drama and sexual threat Naughton generates may keep listeners awake for hours. Hélène must find her place in the new Paris, and she also must find her true identity. The history is factual, the characters are authentic, and Sarah Naughton is superb. E.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2020]