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Dear fellow book lovers,

It was on a particularly gloomy winter evening when I first pressed play on LibriVox’s dramatic reading of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde.” As rain tapped against my window and shadows lengthened across my living room, I found myself transported to the fog-shrouded streets of Victorian London—a perfect atmospheric complement to this timeless tale of duality and inner demons.

This version, released by LibriVox on December 14, 2016, offers a unique dramatic reading experience that breathes new life into Stevenson’s 1886 novella. Running at 2 hours and 38 minutes, the abridged production features a talented cast of LibriVox volunteers who collectively create an immersive audio experience that captures the mounting dread and psychological complexity of the original text.

What immediately struck me was the quality of the narration by Elizabeth Klett, whose crisp, measured delivery perfectly sets the tone for this Victorian gothic tale. Her voice guides us through the mysterious events unfolding in London with just the right balance of detachment and growing concern. But it’s Beth Thomas’s dual performance as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that truly elevates this production. Her transformation between the refined, tormented Jekyll and the menacing, primal Hyde is nothing short of remarkable—accomplished through subtle yet effective vocal modulations that make the character’s split personality frighteningly believable.

The supporting cast deserves equal praise. ToddHW brings a steadfast gravity to Mr. Utterson, the lawyer whose investigation drives the narrative. His portrayal captures both Utterson’s professional reserve and his genuine concern for his friend Jekyll. Kristin Gjerløw’s Dr. Lanyon conveys the perfect mix of scientific skepticism and mounting horror as he witnesses the impossible transformation that shatters his rational worldview.

What I particularly appreciated about this dramatic reading was how it highlighted aspects of the story I had missed in previous encounters with the text. The collaborative nature of the production emphasizes the social world that Jekyll inhabits—and ultimately betrays—making his isolation and descent all the more poignant. The scene where Poole (performed convincingly by Rob Board) leads Utterson to Jekyll’s laboratory door is especially chilling in audio format, with the actors’ voices conveying the mounting tension and dread.

The production quality, while not at the level of commercial audiobooks, has a raw authenticity that actually enhances the Victorian gothic atmosphere. The occasional ambient sounds and transitions between chapters create a sense of place without distracting from the narrative.

For me, this audiobook resonated on a deeply personal level. Like many of us, I’ve experienced those moments when I barely recognize aspects of myself—the flashes of anger, selfishness, or recklessness that seem to come from somewhere else entirely. Stevenson’s exploration of the fragmented self feels startlingly modern, and this dramatic reading brings that psychological insight to vivid life.

The final chapter, with Beth Thomas delivering Jekyll’s full confession, is the crowning achievement of this production. Her performance captures the doctor’s intellectual fascination, moral anguish, and ultimate horror as he recounts his experiments and their catastrophic results. I found myself holding my breath during this extended monologue, completely captivated by both Stevenson’s prose and Thomas’s delivery.

While this version is technically abridged, it preserves the essence and impact of Stevenson’s original work. If you’re new to the story, this dramatic reading offers an excellent introduction; if you’re revisiting a familiar classic, it provides fresh perspectives through its multi-voiced approach.

“Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde” remains one of literature’s most profound explorations of human duality, and this LibriVox dramatic reading does it full justice. As I listened to the final words fade away, I was left with that delicious literary afterglow that comes from experiencing a true classic in a new and compelling way. Highly recommended for dark evenings when you’re in the mood to confront the shadows that lurk within us all.

Warmest regards,
Marcus Rivera