Cecilia de Noël


Read by David Wales

(3.6 stars; 10 reviews)

Cecilia de Noël is a unique ghost story that unfolds through the perspectives of six distinct narrators, each offering their own interpretation of the haunting events. Set against a backdrop of mystery and the supernatural, this tale invites listeners to explore the complexities of truth and perception.

Originally published in 1891, Mary Elizabeth Hawker's narrative style echoes the innovative storytelling of Rashomon, where the same events are recounted from multiple angles. This structure not only enriches the plot but also deepens the exploration of themes such as memory, belief, and the nature of reality.

As the characters grapple with their experiences, the atmosphere shifts between eerie and thought-provoking, making Cecilia de Noël a distinctive entry in the horror genre. This audiobook promises to engage those who appreciate layered narratives and the intricacies of human experience in the face of the unknown.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Chapter 1 Atherley's Gospel 28:11 Read by David Wales
Chapter 2 The Stranger's Gospel 28:34 Read by David Wales
Chapter 3 Mrs. Mostyn's Gospel 28:50 Read by David Wales
Chapter 4 Canon Vernade's Gospel 29:21 Read by David Wales
Chapter 5 Austyn's Gospel 29:24 Read by David Wales
Chapter 6 Mrs. Molyneux's Gospel 33:11 Read by David Wales
Chapter 7 Cecilia's Gospel 32:15 Read by David Wales

Reviews

Interesting mechanism: multiple viewpoints. Fun story.


(4 stars)

As the description says, each chapter of the story is told from a different person's viewpoint. To lessen confusion, let me point out that each chapter is not retelling the whole story, but continues the story from approximately where the last one left off. Fun and intriguing. And who is the mysterious Cecilia de Noel?? Is there really a ghost? Most unusually, the story also explores the Christian religion and its practices, and laments the hypocrisy of many (or most?) Christians at the time.


(0.5 stars)

Tedious, nothing new in the multiple points of view or ideas expressed. Why does David Wales waste his fine reading voice on so much schlock?

Engaging.


(5 stars)

Odd but engaging little tale, well narrated and with a good noise free recording.

Four stars here too.


(4 stars)

Most entertaining.