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  • Title: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
  • Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
  • Narrator: Kristin Hughes
  • Length: 0.11875
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 01-Jan
  • Publisher: LibriVox
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature, Classics
  • ISBN13: SABLIBX978006
Dear audiobook adventurers,

When I first queued up Kristin Hughes’ narration of *The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde*, I wasn’t just revisiting a classic—I was stepping back into a visceral memory of my high school literature class, where our teacher dramatized the eerie transformation scene with such intensity that we felt the chill of Hyde’s presence in the room. It was that same sense of immersive storytelling that Hughes brought to life in this audiobook rendition, making Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella feel hauntingly contemporary.

Here’s what makes this interesting: Stevenson’s exploration of duality—the human capacity for both profound goodness and unrelenting evil—is a theme that resonates deeply across generations. It’s a story that feels almost tailor-made for the audiobook format, where the narrator’s tone and cadence can amplify the internal tug-of-war between Dr. Jekyll’s refined civility and Mr. Hyde’s unbridled malevolence. Hughes, in particular, employs a nuanced vocal performance that captures this dichotomy beautifully. Her voice subtly shifts, almost imperceptibly, between Jekyll’s scholarly introspection and Hyde’s guttural viciousness, creating a listening experience that’s as much psychological as it is auditory.

Let’s break this down further. The novella itself is structured as a series of fragmented accounts and letters, which can feel disjointed on the page but becomes fluid and cohesive when narrated. Hughes’ pacing ensures that every reveal feels deliberate and impactful—whether it’s Utterson’s growing suspicion or the climactic confession letter. I found myself gripping my headphones during key moments, particularly the description of Hyde’s violent outbursts, which Hughes delivers with chilling restraint, allowing the horror to seep into the silence between words.

Personally, this audiobook reminded me of my deep-dive analysis episodes for *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo* on BookTok, where listeners shared how narrators’ voice choices shaped their understanding of character complexity. Hughes achieves a similar feat here, making me reconsider Hyde not as a separate entity but as a manifestation of Jekyll’s suppressed desires—a perspective I hadn’t appreciated fully during my prior readings of the text.

The cultural impact here is also worth noting. In an age dominated by discussions around mental health, identity, and the masks we wear for society, *The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* is a story that feels eerily prescient. Hughes’ performance taps into this relevance, her voice carrying an undercurrent of empathy even amidst the horror, reminding listeners that Jekyll’s experiment was born not out of malice but an earnest desire to understand and control the dualities within himself. That nuance makes this audiobook not just a retelling of a classic but a lens through which to view our own struggles with the parts of ourselves we’d rather not acknowledge.

Let’s talk limitations. While Hughes’ narration is immersive, the production quality, as is often the case with LibriVox recordings, is not as polished as professional studio productions. There are moments where the recording lacks the crispness one might expect, and the lack of background sound design might make it less engaging for listeners accustomed to modern audio dramas. However, this simplicity also lends the audiobook a timeless quality that feels authentic to the Victorian setting.

In comparison to similar works, such as the audiobook adaptations of Mary Shelley’s *Frankenstein* or Bram Stoker’s *Dracula*, Hughes’ narration stands out for its intimacy. Where other narrators might lean into theatricality, Hughes keeps her performance understated, letting the weight of Stevenson’s words carry the story. It’s a choice that works remarkably well for a novella so steeped in internal conflict.

So, who should listen to this? If you’re someone who loves classics, psychological thrillers, or simply enjoys a masterful narration that brings complex characters to life, this audiobook is a must-add to your library. It’s also a fantastic entry point for those intimidated by Victorian literature; Hughes’ delivery makes the language accessible without sacrificing its richness.

As I concluded my listening experience, I couldn’t help but think back to my podcast episode on *Project Hail Mary*. Just like that audiobook’s sound design brought an alien language to life, Hughes’ voice transports listeners into the shadowy streets of London and the tortured mind of Dr. Jekyll. It’s proof that audiobooks are not just a medium for consuming stories—they’re a transformative art form in their own right.

Are there more polished productions out there? Sure. But what Hughes achieves with this LibriVox recording is nothing short of remarkable, offering a raw and authentic experience that feels true to the heart of Stevenson’s work.

If you’re ready to explore the depths of human duality and immerse yourself in one of literature’s most chilling tales, don’t hesitate to download this free audiobook. Trust me, it’s worth every moment.

With narrative appreciation,
Sophie Bennett

Happy listening and literary exploration, Sophie Bennett