Testimony: A Novel [Audiobook] [Audio CD]

Anita Shreve (Author), Hachette Assorted Authors (Reader)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 2008

At a New England boarding school, a sex scandal is about to break. Even more shocking than the sexual acts themselves is the fact that they were caught on videotape.

A Pandora's box of revelations, the tape triggers a chorus of voices--those of the men, women, teenagers, and parents involved in the scandal--that details the ways in which lives can be derailed or destroyed in one foolish moment.

Writing with a pace and intensity surpassing even her own greatest work, Anita Shreve delivers in TESTIMONY a gripping emotional drama with the impact of a thriller. No one more compellingly explores the dark impulses that sway the lives of seeming innocents, the needs and fears that drive ordinary men and women into intolerable dilemmas, and the ways in which our best intentions can lead to our worst transgressions. (2009)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A rare and beautiful recounting of the miracle of healing for a family wounded by catastrophic losses who manages to overcome and go forward, sometimes in uncharted and completely unexpected ways.... One can literally feel the bone-chilling cold weather and their struggles through the deep snowdrifts as the beautifully developed characters create an experience that leaves the listener feeling privileged to have met such complex and wonderful people and shared their triumphs of spirit." (For LIGHT ON SNOW) (AudioFile Magazine )

"A fine example of how audio can occasionally transcend print..." (Library Journal )

About the Author

Anita Shreve is the critically acclaimed author of fourteen novels, including Body Surfing, The Pilot's Wife, which was a selection of Oprah's Book Club, and The Weight of Water, which was a finalist for England's Orange Prize. She lives in Massachusetts.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (October 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600244041
• ISBN-13: 978-1600244049
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 2.1 x 5.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #249,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A tense dramatic story, April 14, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Audio CD)

Robert Perkoff and a cast of others narrate TESTIMONY, a powerful story of a dangerous, charged videotape containing the sexual acts of very young students which unleashes shame and dismay through a small community. Questions and danger arise in this tense dramatic story, perfect for audio libraries.

5.0 out of 5 stars Very well done!, March 10, 2009

By 

C. Fong (Upland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Audio CD)

I just finished listening to this book on CD. The audiobook of Testimony was well-acted with a full cast of characters. The format of the book as it was written is perfect for a cast of individual voices. The actor who portrayed the 14 year old girl was so precisely right, and the one who portrayed Rob showed what a good kid he was just by the inflections of his voice. I was very impressed with the way the story unfolded, even though I metaphorically had my hand over my eyes so as not to see the train wreck. At the same time I couldn't not look. I highly recommend the audio version of this book.

4.0 out of 5 stars Anita Shreve has a winner that the narrators made better, November 4, 2008

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Testimony: A Novel (Audio CD)

In this audio, a prestigious private school in Vermont is a powder keg ready to explode. Avery Academy's privileged students are carefully screened prior to entry and are the cream of the crop. While parents send their children to Avery to `avoid' the problems of public school system, the parties, alcohol, drugs and sex exist-and even the privileged are not exempt from trouble.

Mike, Avery's headmaster, has in his possession: a sex videotape. The people on the tape are underage students. The tape's very existence wrecks havoc with the school, students, parents and the community. Nothing will ever be the same.

The story is told from multiple points of view (students, parents, and a reporter) and Shreve's talent speaks to the success of her choice of storytelling methods. Only occasionally did I become confused with the numerous narrators. The story is primarily told from the perspective of Silas (basketball star), Noelle (a talented musician) and Mik,e the headmaster. The sex scandal raises questions, some that don't have answers-and we learn that it is only part of the story.

The beginning of the story is extremely graphic and may negatively impact the listener/readers. Keep going, and as the story develops, the harshness of the beginning will fade.

Shreve's novel is compelling, frightening and told in a manner that invites the reader to continue to listen as events unfold. I got lost in the story.

There are numerous narrators and their portrayals gave me the feeling of listening to a radio program. It was delightful and a good choice by the publisher. It's not that one narrator couldn't have done a good job, but the numerous voice actors added so much.

Armchair Interviews says: Another winner by Anita Shreve.