Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Pretty Things: A Novel
- Author: Janelle Brown
- Narrator: Hillary Huber, Julia Whelan, Lauren Fortgang
- Length: 16:08:43
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 21/04/2020
- Publisher: Random House (Audio)
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life, Fiction & Literature, Contemporary Women, Family Life
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
As someone who spends her days analyzing how technology reshapes our narratives, I can confidently say Janelle Brown’s “Pretty Things” is the perfect thriller for our Instagram age. This isn’t just a con artist story – it’s a razor-sharp commentary on the curated lives we present online versus the messy realities we hide offline. The audiobook experience, with its trio of phenomenal narrators, elevates this already gripping novel into something truly special.
“”The Narration: A Masterclass in Character Differentiation””
Hillary Huber (Nina), Julia Whelan (Vanessa), and Lauren Fortgang (Lachlan) create an audio landscape so vivid I found myself pausing walks to fully absorb their performances. Huber’s Nina carries this beautiful tension – her voice simultaneously world-weary and hopeful, just like a con artist raised by a con artist should sound. Whelan’s Vanessa is pitch-perfect – that affected California-girl lilt masking deep reservoirs of pain made me think of every influencer whose ‘perfect life’ grid I’ve ever side-eyed. Fortgang’s Lachlan? Pure Irish charm with dangerous edges – I could practically smell the whiskey and regret.
“”Personal Connection: Why This Hit Home””
Analyzing the book’s themes of digital deception took me back to my BookTok series on “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”. Just as those listeners shared how the narrator’s voice choices revealed hidden character depths, here the audio format exposes nuances I missed in my initial text read. When Vanessa describes her Instagram strategy, Whelan’s delivery makes you hear the emptiness behind the hashtags – something that reads as confidence on the page becomes performative in audio. This is why I’m obsessed with comparing storytelling formats – each reveals different truths.
“”Cultural Relevance: More Than Just a Thriller””
Brown’s genius lies in how she weaponizes our digital obsessions. The Lake Tahoe mansion isn’t just a setting – it’s the ultimate Instagram backdrop, all staged beauty hiding rot. Listening during my morning scroll sessions became deliciously meta as I’d catch myself judging someone’s vacation photos while hearing Vanessa craft equally fake moments. It reminded me of my MIT thesis on ‘Digital Persona Construction’ – except way more fun with actual stakes.
“”Audio-Specific Brilliance””
Three moments where the audio format shines:
1. “”The Con Artist Glossary””: Nina’s explanations of scams gain dark humor when delivered in Huber’s deadpan
2. “”Text Message Sequences””: The narrators’ timing makes these feel like real notifications popping up
3. “”Lake Tahoe Atmosphere””: Subtle echo effects during mansion scenes create literal chill
“”Who This Works For:””
– Fans of “Dirty John” podcasts who want that same manipulative thrill
– Anyone who’s ever crafted the ‘perfect’ social media post while having a breakdown
– Lovers of Patricia Highsmith updated for the DM-sliding era
“”The One Caveat:””
The shifting timelines (2005 vs present day) occasionally confused me during audio-only listening – recommend saving this for focused sessions rather than multitasking.
“”Final Verdict:””
This is that rare audiobook that “improves” the source material. The narrators don’t just read – they weaponize vocal nuance to expose every layer of Brown’s deception-themed onion. By the explosive finale, I wasn’t sure who to root for – a testament to how effectively the performances humanize even the most flawed characters.
Stay critical (in both senses), keep listening deeply, and maybe double-check who’s sliding into your DMs…
Sophie
Sophie Bennett
