Napoleon's Last Island by Thomas Keneally

Napoleon's Last Island

Exiled, yet Unyielding: A Haunting Portrait of Napoleon

Written byThomas Keneally
Narrated byEdwina Wren
Length15h01m
Release dateMay 19, 2016
LanguageEnglish
★★★★★ 5.0 on Audible

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Quick Facts

AuthorThomas Keneally
NarratorEdwina Wren
Runtime15h01m
PublishedMay 19, 2016
Rating★★★★★ 5.0 / 5 on Audible
CategoriesLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Literary Fiction, War & Military, Historical Fiction
FormatAudiobook (Digital)
PlatformAudible

About This Audiobook

Thomas Keneally's sweeping historical fiction delves into the twilight years of Napoleon on the remote island of St Helena. This audiobook masterfully weaves together the threads of politics, betrayal, and personal relationships, creating a rich tapestry of human complexity. In Edwina Wren's capable hands, the narrative unfolds with a measured pace, allowing listeners to absorb the nuances of Keneally's prose.
Wren's narration is a notable strength of this audiobook, imbuing the characters with a sense of depth and vulnerability. Her subtle modulations bring the island's stifling atmosphere to life, drawing the listener into the claustrophobic world of Napoleon's exile. As the story unfolds, Keneally's masterful prose and Wren's engaging performance combine to create a narrative that is both immersive and emotionally resonant.

Tags: historical fictionliterary fictionexilepolitical dramacharacter studynarrative history

About the Narration

Narrated by Edwina Wren, this 15h01m audiobook holds a 5.0-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings Thomas Keneally's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

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Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

As I immersed myself in this audiobook, I was struck by the way Keneally humanizes a figure often reduced to myth and caricature. Edwina Wren's nuanced portrayal of Napoleon captures the complexity of his emotions, conveying the depth of his sorrow and the resilience of his will. The supporting cast is equally well-crafted, with the enigmatic governor, Sir Hudson Lowe, standing out as a particularly well-realized character. One of the audiobook's greatest strengths lies in its ability to balance the sprawling narrative with a clear, driving pace. However, at times the supporting characters can feel somewhat one-dimensional, their motivations and actions not receiving the level of attention they deserve. Nevertheless, this is a minor quibble in an otherwise exceptional listening experience. If you're a fan of historical fiction, or simply looking for a compelling, character-driven narrative, Napoleon's Last Island is an absolute must-listen.

This review was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy and quality.

How to Listen

Napoleon's Last Island by Thomas Keneally is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Edwina Wren's narration spans 15h01m.

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