The Ugly Duchess

Susan Duerden’s narration in 'The Ugly Duchess' is nothing short of enchanting. Her voice weaves through the story with a grace that perfectly complements James’ sparkling prose. The pacing is brisk, keeping listeners hooked throughout the audiobook. What sets this production apart is how seamlessly Duerden handles the humor and romance, ensuring both elements blend without losing their individual charm. A standout moment is when she brings to life the Duchess’s witty comebacks during her ballroom escapades—these scenes are simply delightful. However, a minor critique might be that some of the more complex character interactions could benefit from even more nuanced delivery, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise superb production.