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Hey BookTok fam and literature lovers,

Today, I’m diving into a hidden gem that’s been on my radar for a while: *Mathilda* by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, narrated by Cori Samuel. This audiobook is a free treasure on LibriVox, and let me tell you, it’s a journey worth taking. As someone who’s always fascinated by how different formats can transform a story, I couldn’t wait to see how this novella, suppressed for over a century, would come to life in audio form. Spoiler: it’s hauntingly beautiful.

### The Story: A Gothic Masterpiece

*Mathilda* is a deeply emotional and controversial tale that explores themes of incestuous desire, grief, and isolation. Written during a period of profound personal loss for Shelley, the novella feels raw and intimate. Mathilda, the protagonist, is a young woman grappling with the devastating confession of her father’s inappropriate love for her. The story is a psychological deep dive into her trauma, her withdrawal from society, and her struggle to find meaning in her suffering.

What struck me most about *Mathilda* is its unflinching portrayal of female suffering. Shelley’s writing is poetic yet piercing, and the audiobook format amplifies this. Cori Samuel’s narration captures the melancholy and desperation of Mathilda’s voice, making the experience deeply immersive. Listening to this story felt like being in a dimly lit room with Mathilda, hearing her confessions in whispers and cries.

### Personal Connection: Why This Hit Home

This audiobook reminded me of my podcast episode on *Project Hail Mary*, where I compared different storytelling formats. Just as the audiobook of *Project Hail Mary* brought the alien language to life through sound design, *Mathilda*’s audio version adds a layer of emotional depth that’s hard to achieve through text alone. The narration made me feel Mathilda’s isolation and despair in a way that reading the novella didn’t fully capture.

I also found myself reflecting on my BookTok series analyzing audiobook adaptations. The way Cori Samuel handles Mathilda’s voice—soft, fragile, yet resolute—reminded me of the narrator’s performance in *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo*. Both narrators use subtle vocal shifts to convey the complexity of their characters, creating an experience that’s both intimate and profound.

### The Narration: Cori Samuel’s Brilliance

Cori Samuel’s performance is nothing short of stellar. Her voice is perfectly suited to the Gothic tone of the novella—measured, melancholic, and haunting. She captures Mathilda’s emotional turmoil with a sensitivity that makes the character’s pain palpable. The narration is so compelling that I found myself pausing at times, just to sit with the weight of what I’d heard.

One of the standout moments for me was the father’s confession scene. Samuel’s voice shifts to a tone of desperation and guilt, making the moment feel both tragic and horrifying. It’s a testament to her skill as a narrator that she can convey such complex emotions with such subtlety.

### Themes That Resonate

*Mathilda* is a story that lingers, and its themes feel eerily relevant today. The exploration of incestuous desire is handled with a sensitivity that avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the psychological impact on Mathilda. The novella also delves into themes of grief and isolation, which Shelley wrote from a place of personal experience. The descriptions of nature, so characteristic of Romantic literature, mirror Mathilda’s emotional states, adding a layer of beauty to the darkness.

For me, the most powerful theme was the portrayal of female suffering. Mathilda is a victim of circumstances beyond her control, and her story is a poignant reminder of the societal constraints women faced—and still face—in navigating trauma and seeking agency.

### Strengths and Limitations

The audiobook’s strength lies in its narration and accessibility. Being a free download on LibriVox makes it an excellent entry point for those new to Shelley’s work beyond *Frankenstein*. However, the audio quality, while decent, isn’t studio-perfect, which might be a drawback for some listeners. The novella’s brevity also means that some themes feel underexplored, leaving me wishing for more.

### Comparisons and Recommendations

If you enjoyed *Frankenstein*, *Mathilda* offers a more intimate look at Shelley’s literary genius. Fans of Gothic literature and Romanticism will appreciate its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth. I’d also recommend it to anyone interested in feminist literature or stories that explore complex family dynamics.

### Final Thoughts

Listening to *Mathilda* was an experience that stayed with me long after the final words. It’s a story that challenges, provokes, and moves, and the audiobook format brings it to life in a way that’s uniquely powerful. Whether you’re a Shelley enthusiast or a newcomer to her work, this free audiobook is a must-listen.

So, grab your headphones, find a quiet spot, and let Cori Samuel’s narration transport you into Mathilda’s world. Trust me, it’s a journey you won’t forget.

Stay curious and keep listening, Sophie Bennett
Sophie Bennett