Well Writen, Well Told

First, cudos to the narrator, Juliet Stevenson - maybe the best narration I've ever heard. Not a whole lot of drama or suspense in the first half of the book but it's so well written and narrated, and the main character so well portrayed, that there is no loss of interest . As well, from the beginning, there is a sense of impending doom Well more than a sense - it's introduced in the opening scene. I found the ending, I mean the very ending, a little baffling -- open to interpretation in my view. Was she remembering or imagining?

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The reveal

Would you consider the audio edition of Apple Tree Yard to be better than the print version?

I was intrigued by Part 1 of the TV version so decided to hear it and was delighted to find the narrator was Juliet Stevenson.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

(Minor spoiler alert)
I do not know why the author gave away the courtroom reveal earlier in the story. There were enough other hints such as the chimp experiment discussion Yvonne had with her solicitor. I would have omitted that earlier piece of the barrister's cross examination as it comes up again virtually verbatim later. Always difficult to get stories told in flashback right and balance out suspense versus too much information.

What does Juliet Stevenson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Incredible characterizations by Ms.Stevenson. Sometimes I can imagine voices when reading in print but not all the time. She adds so much by her voice acting.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by the family and friends' reactions. I was also moved by the human fallibility component in general and how life can "turn on a dime".

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Sordid

Dashing off a quick review after finish this book. I did not like it at all. I'm giving it a three-star overall rating though because it's a well told story, but the topic of sex and adultery is one that doesn't appeal to me in the least and I found the story very grim and depressing. A respected researcher and scientist, Yvonne Carmichael, is happily married and with grown children when she meets a strange man wearing a snazzy suit one day while at the house of commons. He takes her down to the crypt to the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft (I did not know there was a church in the house of commons), where they have quick sex in a broom closet. From there they begin a sordid love affair, sordid because her unnamed lover is addicted to risky sex in unlikely places. This is supposed to be a smart woman in love with her husband and with everything to lose, and she nearly does when a work colleague rapes her when she gets drunk at a university party, which lead to even more dreadful consequences. I almost dropped it toward the beginning, but then stuck to it only because it was one of my favourites, Juliet Stevenson narrating, and I knew things were bound to get interesting since it's a thriller. But I almost wish I hadn't read it, because I feel dirtied by it now. Wondering whether I should ask Audible for my credit back. I would certainly be in my rights, but then I guess it wouldn't be morally acceptable for me to publish a negative review in such a case, would it? I got this originally because of the narrator, as not infrequently buy books I know nothing about when they are read by someone I really like, and also because none other than Hilary Mantel and Helen Dunmore were among those who gave it rave reviews. I'm sure others who aren't turned off the topic of sex like I am will find it quite good. I blame the antidepressants for preventing me from fully enjoying it, but then I would need antidepressants anyway after finishing the book, so it all evens out in the end.

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Juliet Stevenson could read me the phone book.

If you could sum up Apple Tree Yard in three words, what would they be?

Brilliant story, cleverly told and perfectly narrated.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Apple Tree Yard?

It's such a slow build but you're there all the way - scared, intrigued - and you care about all the characters.

What about Juliet Stevenson’s performance did you like?

Perfect pitch, rhythm and pace. She is The Business.

Any additional comments?

I am almost prepared to listen to it again.

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Complex questions

Where do I start to review this book. It has so much in it. A profound psychological drama, cleverly unfolded, with so many facets. The book explores relationships, morality, motivations, perceptions, personality and the exigencies of circumstance which can turn our lives inside out. The author considers the working of the law and its relationship to underlying moralities, the meaning of truth and lies. Her central character lives and breathes through the outstanding performance of Juliet Stevenson. I loved this book and will look for more by this author.

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surprise.......last page

great story and book. enjoy, right up to the ending. would read this author again for sure

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