The Children

Name: The Children
Availability: InStock
Author: Ann Leary

A Darkly Humorous Family Takedown

Written byAnn Leary

Narrated byGretchen Mol

Length7h25m

Release dateMay 24, 2016

GenreLiterature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Family Life

LanguageEnglish

★★★★★ 4.0 on Audible

Listen Free on Audible

Free with Audible trial. Cancel anytime.

Available Worldwide

Listen Free

Listen Free

Listen to a Sample

Hear Gretchen Mol's narration on Audible.

Play Sample on Audible

Quick Facts

Author	Ann Leary
Narrator	Gretchen Mol
Runtime	7h25m
Published	May 24, 2016
Rating	★★★★★ 4.0 / 5 on Audible
Categories	Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Family Life, Women's Fiction
Format	Audiobook (Digital)
Platform	Audible

About This Audiobook

The Children by Ann Leary is a wickedly clever exploration of family dynamics, wealth, and the blurred lines between truth and fantasy. Through the eyes of Charlotte Maynard, a reclusive 29-year-old with a secret life as an online sensation, Leary pulls back the curtain on the intricate web of relationships within a wealthy New England family. With biting humor and a keen eye for detail, Leary dissects the ways in which privilege and dysfunction can become inextricably linked.

Narrator Gretchen Mol brings a perfect balance of wit and vulnerability to the role of Charlotte, infusing the audiobook with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. Her performance is a masterclass in nuanced characterization, expertly capturing the complexities of a protagonist who is both deeply flawed and endearingly relatable. The production values are top-notch, with a crisp, engaging sound design that perfectly complements the snappy, energetic pace of the narrative.

Tags: Dark HumorFamily DramaNew England SettingWealth and PrivilegeOnline CultureMental Health

About the Narration

Narrated by Gretchen Mol, this 7h25m audiobook holds a 4.0-star average rating on Audible. The narration brings Ann Leary's writing to life, making it a compelling choice for audiobook listeners.

Start Listening Free

Editor's Review

AudioBook Atlas Editorial Team

I went into The Children expecting a satirical exploration of privilege and family dynamics, and Ann Leary delivered in spades. Gretchen Mol's narration is a revelation, bringing a level of emotional depth and nuance to Charlotte that made me feel like I was experiencing the story firsthand. I was particularly impressed by the way Leary tackles themes of addiction, mental health, and the performative aspects of online life. My only criticism would be that the supporting cast feels a tad one-dimensional at times, with some characters feeling more like caricatures than fully fleshed-out individuals. Additionally, I found the pacing to be a bit uneven in places, with some sections feeling a bit rushed and others dragging on a bit longer than necessary. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exceptional audiobook that will appeal to fans of darkly comedic family dramas and anyone looking for a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

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

How to Listen

The Children by Ann Leary is available as an audiobook on Audible. You can start with a free trial — the audiobook is yours to keep even if you cancel. Gretchen Mol's narration spans 7h25m.

Get Free on Audible

Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.