Luke Thompson gives a mesmerizing performance in the audiobook of Venetian Vespers (10.5 hours), perfectly capturing the atmosphere of John Banville’s haunting noir.
Evelyn Dolman, an English writer aware of his own lack of talent, hopes for financial stability through his marriage to Laura, the daughter of a wealthy American—then discovers, after her father dies in a riding accident, that she has been disinherited. During their honeymoon in Venice, Evelyn begins to see his wife with suspicion, and their already fragile marriage cracks further as mysteries spring up around them. Thompson’s brilliant narration heightens the psychological tension as Dolman becomes consumed with questions. What reason could there be for his wife’s sexual prowess on their wedding night and their subsequent lack of intimacy? Why the rift between his wife and her late father? And what’s going on with a man who claims to be a friend of Evelyn’s from school, or with their sinister host, Count Barbarigo?
Finely paced, Thompson’s deliberate articulation of words and unraveling of sentences showcases Banville’s elegant style. The beauty and mystery of Venice is contrasted with its decay and eeriness, and imbued with a sensuality through the resonant language. In this hypnotic delivery, Venetian Vespers is a rich and unsettling auditory journey that’s sure to delight lovers of literary suspense.
Read our starred review of the print version of Venetian Vespers.