THE UNDOING OF VIOLET CLAYBOURNE

This is the ideal audiobook for those who enjoy literate, dark family dramas with a gothic vibe. The crisp, posh English voice of Nathalie Buscombe introduces a quartet of young women whose lives are ruined by a freak shooting accident and the destructive aftermath that follows. Lonely, middle-class Gillian longs to be a part of the social elite, who are represented by the Claybourne family. The novel explores misguided ambition, snobbery, manipulation, and betrayal. Buscombe gives Emmeline, the glamorous, arrogant oldest Claybourne sister, a cold, authoritative voice. Youngest sister Violet sounds skittish and excitable. While the story is driven by events in 1938, it concludes 60 years later. The steadying voice of Buscombe leads listeners through the psychological turmoil. D.L.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2025]