Hester (1883) is a dramatic story of female power and family tensions within Victorian society. Using her own money, Catherine Vernon manages to save the family bank from collapse after her cousin John absconds with some of its money. As the matriarch of Redborough, Catherine is used to commanding authority, but this is challenged with the arrival of John's strong and capable teenage daughter, Hester. Ignorant of her father's conduct, Hester takes against Catherine and a mutual antipathy soon sets in. A masterpiece of domestic realism, the novel is one of Mrs Oliphant's most admired works.
Georgina Sutton delivers a crisp, precise performance of this audiobook, which follows the Vernon family through three volumes of Victorian history and manners. With a lovely voice and crystal-clear accent, Sutton maneuvers through a ponderous plot with as much life as one could offer. Her pace is brisk, and her enunciation is razor-sharp. Indeed, Sutton's skill drives the dialogue and extensive e
