Vera

By: Elizabeth Von Arnim

Narrated by: Nicki Paull

Lucy Entwhistle's beloved father has just died; aged twenty-two she finds herself alone in the world. Leaning against her garden gate, dazed and unhappy, she is disturbed by the sudden appearance of the perspiring Mr Wemyss. This middle-aged man is also in mourning - for his wife Vera, who has died in mysterious circumstances. Before Lucy can collect herself, Mr Wemyss has taken charge: of the funeral arrangements, of her kind aunt Dot, but most of all of Lucy herself - body and soul.

©1907 Elizabeth von Arnim, & 1921. The Estate of Elizabeth, Countess Russell, 1941. (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"Elizabeth Von Arnim is a mistress of irony." (Lisa St Aubin de Terán (novelist))

"The success of the film Enchanted April renewed interest in Australian-born author Elizabeth Von Arnim's work. She felt Vera, published in 1921, was her best. Vera is the wife of the late Edvard Wemyss, who has died under mysterious circumstances before the novel opens, but who, nonetheless, is a force throughout. Nicki Paull brings this macabre story to life, breathing life into innocent Lucy; self-absorbed, creepy Mr. Wemyss; and suspicious, impotent Aunt Dot. With her voice, Paull becomes the bizarre personalities of these characters. Her performance will make your skin crawl as you listen in fascination, knowing there's nothing you can do to rescue the doomed Lucy. The inclusion of extensive biographical information at the start and conclusion of the book provides context for the story." (AudioFile Magazine)

Strangely Immersive and Compelling

Fans of Von Armin's The Enchanted April, might be surprised by how dark this novel gets. Yes, it has plenty of the author's wit, charm, and humor, but it also has shades of Rebecca (it was published 17 years before du Maurier's novel) and suggestions of spousal abuse and the predatory leanings of a husband for his much much younger wife. He enjoys imagining that people will wonder if she's even of age, and he's repeatedly thrilled by a hairstyle that makes her look almost adolescent. In the end, it's an indictment of a controlling, rage-filled narcissist, a character based on Von Armin's second husband.

The novel is so tightly written and so tense, I found it hard to stop listening. Readers who demand punishment and redemption might be unsatisfied by the chillingly abrupt ending.

Nicki Paull has a rich, flexible voice, and reads the novel extremely well. With one exception. The voice she uses for the young, female lead's spoken dialogue is so chirpy, insipid, and annoying, it makes her sound like an idiot and renders her unsympathetic. I can't help but believe that Von Armin had different intentions. The character's inner thoughts and insights suggest she's intelligent but under the spell of her husband. It came close to ruining what was otherwise a crisp, nuanced reading.

Not a book for kids of any age

For those who have read Elizabeth von Arnim books, this is not the "The Enchanted April" or "Elizabeth's German Garden". This is not a book for the faint of heart or mind. This is not a book for kids of any age. However, if you are tough enough, this book will take you by the throat and hurl you crashing against the last period of the last sentence. I think that it is one of Elizabeth von Arnim's most powerful and best books. I add that it is one that I least like. I read it much less often than "The Enchanted April".

For young women who fancy themselves in love, read this book then look again at your proposed husband. You might see Vera, the young, beautiful, first wife of Mr. Wemyss dead. Did she commit suicide? Or was she pushed? Was she driven to take her life? We wonder; we speculate; we have thoughts. What is the fate of Lucy, the young, lovely, soft, wonderful second wife? I do not wonder. I know. I know.