BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE

Samantha Hydeson depicts Bluebeard's castle, its inhabitants, and its visitors in this unsuccessful attempt to lend a feminist slant to the original folktale. Listeners meet unhappy gothic novelist Judith Moore, who feels she'll never find the man of her dreams. Her life changes, however, after she meets a psychopath named Gavin, who is expertly portrayed. He has leading-man good looks and behavior that are ideal for this tale, which includes a strong dose of eroticism. Sadly, despite Hydeson's splendid narration, no character is relatable, including Judith, who is predictable and repeatedly makes terrible decisions. Frequent brand names of cars, clothing, and food, along with Hydeson's cut-glass accents, make the story somewhat unintentionally funny. Hydeson is at her best while recounting Judith's bleak childhood and her warm relationship with her more easygoing sister. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2023, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2023]