What do you think?
Rate this book
Les Liaisons Dangereuses: Read by the Cast of the Stage Play
From the sumptuous private drawing rooms of 18th-century Paris to the decadent estates and chateaus of the French countryside, La Marquise de Merteuil and Le Vicomte de Valmont hatch a long-distance plan of vengeance and seduction.
Valmont is determined to conquer the famously pious Madame de Tourvel, whose husband is abroad on business. However, Merteuil has other plans. She enlists his involvement in the seduction of a young convent girl, Cécile Volanges, the wife-to-be of the Marquise's former lover. But as they race toward the culmination of their plans, events start to spiral out of control, and they realise that they might not be as in control of their hearts as once they thought.
Starring:
Madame de Volanges: Adjoa Andoh
La Présidente de Tourvel: Elaine Cassidy
Cécile Volanges: Morfydd Clark
Le Chevalier: Danceny Edward
Holcroft, Marquise de Merteuil: Janet McTeer
Vicomte de Valmont: Dominic West
Madame de Rosemond: Una Stubbs.
With announcements by Simon Kane.
Valmont is determined to conquer the famously pious Madame de Tourvel, whose husband is abroad on business. However, Merteuil has other plans. She enlists his involvement in the seduction of a young convent girl, Cécile Volanges, the wife-to-be of the Marquise's former lover. But as they race toward the culmination of their plans, events start to spiral out of control, and they realise that they might not be as in control of their hearts as once they thought.
Starring:
Madame de Volanges: Adjoa Andoh
La Présidente de Tourvel: Elaine Cassidy
Cécile Volanges: Morfydd Clark
Le Chevalier: Danceny Edward
Holcroft, Marquise de Merteuil: Janet McTeer
Vicomte de Valmont: Dominic West
Madame de Rosemond: Una Stubbs.
With announcements by Simon Kane.
3 pages, Audible Audio
Published January 27, 2016
2 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Pierre Choderlos de Laclos
191 books291 followersPierre Ambroise François Choderlos de Laclos (1741-1803) was a French novelist, official and army general, best known for writing the epistolary novel Les Liaisons dangereuses.
A unique case in French literature, he was for a long time considered to be as scandalous a writer as the Marquis de Sade or Nicolas-Edme Rétif. He was a military officer with no illusions about human relations, and an amateur writer; however, his initial plan was to "write a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death"; from this point of view he mostly attained his goals, with the fame of his masterwork Les Liaisons dangereuses . It is one of the masterpieces of novelistic literature of the 18th century, which explores the amorous intrigues of the aristocracy. It has inspired a large number of critical and analytic commentaries, plays, and films.
Cyrillic profile: Шодерло дьо Лакло
A unique case in French literature, he was for a long time considered to be as scandalous a writer as the Marquis de Sade or Nicolas-Edme Rétif. He was a military officer with no illusions about human relations, and an amateur writer; however, his initial plan was to "write a work which departed from the ordinary, which made a noise, and which would remain on earth after his death"; from this point of view he mostly attained his goals, with the fame of his masterwork Les Liaisons dangereuses . It is one of the masterpieces of novelistic literature of the 18th century, which explores the amorous intrigues of the aristocracy. It has inspired a large number of critical and analytic commentaries, plays, and films.
Cyrillic profile: Шодерло дьо Лакло
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 23, 2016
What a deliciously wicked story.
This dramatisation from the cast of the Donmar production is worth listening to for Janet McTeer alone. Her Marquise de Merteuil was incredible. Sensual, scathing, scandalous. If you are new to Laclos, this is a great place to start. I read an English translation many years ago and loved it, but this version brought it to life for me. It has left me wanting to read the original, and i'll be purchasing it after finishing the review (yes, i'm THAT enthused).
It seems to me that Laclos' work has a real modern relevance. We live in a society in which a person is still judged on their sexual self. Whether that be the sexual preference they claim, how they go about their romantic/sexual lives, or how their sexuality is displayed to others. People still talk of 'conquest' over another, if not always using that specific word, the idea is the same. We have online sites for showcasing clips of sexual acts unknowingly filmed, for revenge porn, for rating the attractiveness and 'easiness' of others. 'Slut' and 'whore' are judgment terms that still have real power. Perhaps the men reading this will correct me if i'm wrong, but I don't think there are words used with the same derision for male behaviour, even 'manwhore' and 'male slut' are not without positive connotations, part of male banter. This has been my experience of male-female heterosexual relations, and I wonder how these themes are played out within the homosexual or trans communities. Without a doubt, external, societal judgment is still evident.
For this reason, the most significant character has always been, for me, La Marquise de Merteuil. Valmont, the rake, the seducer, the ruiner of women is a male character so often done, before and since, as to be stereotypical. La Marquise, on the other hand, demands to be his equal, or even better: in manipulation, in deceit, in pursuit of pleasure. She makes precisely this point. His machinations, his successes, are all the more easy because of his gender, and the resulting freedoms it accords him.
In any case, I love this format in literature. Private letters dispatched at cross purposes allows for an intriguing and amusing insight into character; what they say to one person and hide from another, virtuous and indignant here, debauched and desirous there. An excellent reflection of the multitude of selves we all hold.
This dramatisation from the cast of the Donmar production is worth listening to for Janet McTeer alone. Her Marquise de Merteuil was incredible. Sensual, scathing, scandalous. If you are new to Laclos, this is a great place to start. I read an English translation many years ago and loved it, but this version brought it to life for me. It has left me wanting to read the original, and i'll be purchasing it after finishing the review (yes, i'm THAT enthused).
It seems to me that Laclos' work has a real modern relevance. We live in a society in which a person is still judged on their sexual self. Whether that be the sexual preference they claim, how they go about their romantic/sexual lives, or how their sexuality is displayed to others. People still talk of 'conquest' over another, if not always using that specific word, the idea is the same. We have online sites for showcasing clips of sexual acts unknowingly filmed, for revenge porn, for rating the attractiveness and 'easiness' of others. 'Slut' and 'whore' are judgment terms that still have real power. Perhaps the men reading this will correct me if i'm wrong, but I don't think there are words used with the same derision for male behaviour, even 'manwhore' and 'male slut' are not without positive connotations, part of male banter. This has been my experience of male-female heterosexual relations, and I wonder how these themes are played out within the homosexual or trans communities. Without a doubt, external, societal judgment is still evident.
For this reason, the most significant character has always been, for me, La Marquise de Merteuil. Valmont, the rake, the seducer, the ruiner of women is a male character so often done, before and since, as to be stereotypical. La Marquise, on the other hand, demands to be his equal, or even better: in manipulation, in deceit, in pursuit of pleasure. She makes precisely this point. His machinations, his successes, are all the more easy because of his gender, and the resulting freedoms it accords him.
In any case, I love this format in literature. Private letters dispatched at cross purposes allows for an intriguing and amusing insight into character; what they say to one person and hide from another, virtuous and indignant here, debauched and desirous there. An excellent reflection of the multitude of selves we all hold.
February 3, 2016
This was a free download from Audible read by the cast of the stage play (Edit: I guess that's obvious from the subtitle of the book above). If you have a couple hours of free time to listen, I recommend this one.
The Marquise de Merteuil, despite her virtuous reputation, has used and discarded many men in her day, and she takes it lightly when one of her lovers gives her up for another woman. When she learns that a former lover intends to marry Cécile de Volanges, fifteen-year-old convent-educated daughter of the Marquise's own cousin, she recognizes a perfect opportunity for revenge: a scandal revealing that the supposedly virginal bride was in fact a debauched wanton! Madame de Merteuil turns to another former lover, now her friend and faithful correspondent, the Vicomte de Valmont. Unlike the Marquise, seduction is his favorite game, reveling in the scandal that follows in his wake. Madame de Merteuil asks him to turn his attentions to Cécile while her betrothed is away at war. de Valmont has another target in mind, however. The Présidente de Tourvel, a prominent judicial officer, is away on business for several months, and his wife, a woman celebrated for her piety and chastity, has come for an extended visit to Valmont's aunt. It is Valmont's intention not merely to seduce this virtuous beauty, but to torment her with the desires he arouses in her! The Marquise is disappointed at his refusal and cynical about his new project, but never discouraged: after all, young Cécile has already formed a bit of an attachment to a man who is not her intended husband, and all she needs now is the "right" advice to push her, heedless down the path of dalliance.
The web of "Danger Liaisons" in which the characters find themselves ensnared is even more tangled than simple words convey. Thankfully, it's not difficult to keep track of the ever-shifting relationships as the plot unfolds. A collection of letters between the characters in a scandalous series of events allows intimate access to their thoughts and motivations. At the same time, the reader has far more insight into what's going on than any character does, but in the end, this intimate understanding of the characters is based entirely how they choose to present themselves. With the possible exception of Valmont's aunt, every character is a master of manipulation and deception.
The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont are two of the most loathsome creatures in fiction. The Marquise and the Vicomte are supreme players of the game, casual destroyers of lives, unashamed of their pride, proud of their shamelessness, and perfectly matched. They encourage, assist, scold, flatter, belittle, and devastate each other. It becomes clear that the real sexual power struggle is between these two, and everyone else is a pawn in their game.
"Les Liaisons dangereuses" is entertaining and thought-provoking, brilliantly constructed, wholly natural, and deeply painful.
The Marquise de Merteuil, despite her virtuous reputation, has used and discarded many men in her day, and she takes it lightly when one of her lovers gives her up for another woman. When she learns that a former lover intends to marry Cécile de Volanges, fifteen-year-old convent-educated daughter of the Marquise's own cousin, she recognizes a perfect opportunity for revenge: a scandal revealing that the supposedly virginal bride was in fact a debauched wanton! Madame de Merteuil turns to another former lover, now her friend and faithful correspondent, the Vicomte de Valmont. Unlike the Marquise, seduction is his favorite game, reveling in the scandal that follows in his wake. Madame de Merteuil asks him to turn his attentions to Cécile while her betrothed is away at war. de Valmont has another target in mind, however. The Présidente de Tourvel, a prominent judicial officer, is away on business for several months, and his wife, a woman celebrated for her piety and chastity, has come for an extended visit to Valmont's aunt. It is Valmont's intention not merely to seduce this virtuous beauty, but to torment her with the desires he arouses in her! The Marquise is disappointed at his refusal and cynical about his new project, but never discouraged: after all, young Cécile has already formed a bit of an attachment to a man who is not her intended husband, and all she needs now is the "right" advice to push her, heedless down the path of dalliance.
The web of "Danger Liaisons" in which the characters find themselves ensnared is even more tangled than simple words convey. Thankfully, it's not difficult to keep track of the ever-shifting relationships as the plot unfolds. A collection of letters between the characters in a scandalous series of events allows intimate access to their thoughts and motivations. At the same time, the reader has far more insight into what's going on than any character does, but in the end, this intimate understanding of the characters is based entirely how they choose to present themselves. With the possible exception of Valmont's aunt, every character is a master of manipulation and deception.
The Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont are two of the most loathsome creatures in fiction. The Marquise and the Vicomte are supreme players of the game, casual destroyers of lives, unashamed of their pride, proud of their shamelessness, and perfectly matched. They encourage, assist, scold, flatter, belittle, and devastate each other. It becomes clear that the real sexual power struggle is between these two, and everyone else is a pawn in their game.
"Les Liaisons dangereuses" is entertaining and thought-provoking, brilliantly constructed, wholly natural, and deeply painful.
February 2, 2016
This was an abridged full-cast performance, in epistolary form, of the play, which is based on the 1782 novel about French aristocrats engaging in recreational adultery and competitive seduction. It's marvelously acted with all the venom and petty viciousness befitting scheming, amoral aristocrats whose only ambition is sex and the ruination of lives.
The Marquise de Merteuil (played in the 1988 movie by Glenn Close) is a rich widow who has clawed her way to the top the only way a woman can in her society. Sexually rapacious and (deep down) embittered by the double standards that allow men to boast of their conquests while women have to carefully guard their reputations, she enjoys manipulating people and ruining lives, and enlists a friend of hers, the equally amoral playboy Vicomte de Valmont, to deflower the virginal fiancee (played in the movie by a young Uma Thurman) of a lover who just broke up with her. He has his own conquests in mind, however, and the two of them spar with at first friendly affection as they execute their separate schemes, but the two of them wind up ruining lives, breaking hearts, and eventually, causing more than one death as their rivalry escalates.
One might be forgiven for concluding that the moral of the story is that the entire French aristocracy were worthless parasites who deserved the tumbrils soon to come.
It's a great story, which I downloaded as an Audible freebie. As much as I enjoyed the 1988 movie, the cast here is perfect.
The Marquise de Merteuil (played in the 1988 movie by Glenn Close) is a rich widow who has clawed her way to the top the only way a woman can in her society. Sexually rapacious and (deep down) embittered by the double standards that allow men to boast of their conquests while women have to carefully guard their reputations, she enjoys manipulating people and ruining lives, and enlists a friend of hers, the equally amoral playboy Vicomte de Valmont, to deflower the virginal fiancee (played in the movie by a young Uma Thurman) of a lover who just broke up with her. He has his own conquests in mind, however, and the two of them spar with at first friendly affection as they execute their separate schemes, but the two of them wind up ruining lives, breaking hearts, and eventually, causing more than one death as their rivalry escalates.
One might be forgiven for concluding that the moral of the story is that the entire French aristocracy were worthless parasites who deserved the tumbrils soon to come.
It's a great story, which I downloaded as an Audible freebie. As much as I enjoyed the 1988 movie, the cast here is perfect.
July 30, 2023
I loved this book. I wish I had read it rather than listened to an audio version because I was rather confused about who was who to begin with. As the story developed through letters written by various characters their characteristics shone through, both in their use of language and in their attitudes. It was an original theme and the main protagonists were breathtaking in their cynicism and insouciance, engaging in a game of one upmanship with each other in how successfully they could seduce the innocent.
August 17, 2018
I am not at all sure how to rate this. I will say that in the future I will shy away from listening to (or reading for that matter) an abridged version of a book. The narrators' presentations were very good but their performance consisting solely of written letters read aloud — Dear Madame, Dear Mademoiselle, Dear Vicomte, Dear Monsieur, etc. and Adieu, Adieu, Adieu — found me totally lost and confused throughout the entire short adaptation of what is supposedly a scandalous and controversial novel of seduction. Therefore my 3 stars is most likely not a fair representation of what this story actually deserves. Perhaps I will read the entire novel at some point and be able to rate it accordingly.
August 12, 2021
I loved every single minute of this wonderful audiobook production; I wish it would be longer.
The brilliant performances of Janet McTeer interpreting Marquise de Merteuil astounded me… mesmerized me… it was delicious! Madame de Rosemond grippingly interpreted by Una Stubbs… and yes, alluring Vicomte de Valmont is acted by Dominic West. Yum!!
Many thanks to Audible as this magnificent audiobook is coming for free to members.
September 2, 2016
I vaguely remember this movie, and have wanted to read the book for a long time. I just couldn't get into it though. Not so with this adaptation / play. It will pull you in so quick, and won't let you go. Excellent, excellent production. All the acting/reading is right on. You really won't miss what was cut, this play is right on.
January 18, 2017
A twisted classic that has been done so many different ways. This was a well performed, condensed, dramatization of a tangled web of deceit between a man and a woman. The language is beautiful and the tale is sad. It is free on Audible right now.
Want to read
February 2, 20162/1/16 - Audible free download.
February 13, 2024
Love Merteuil. Love Valmont. 2 creepies vying for sexual conquests for the sake of pride, sadistic power, and reputation. This work is genuis. Written in the reputable epistolary form, Laclos' creation cracks open the genre's possibilities. The subversive and lascivious theme in 1st-person letters meets the novel. So, all the women must suffer for what has been done to them: Madame de Tourvel dies, Cecile de Volanges becomes a nun, Mme de Merteuil flees Paris in financial ruin.
Old senile Mme de Rosemonde becomes the word of wisdom in this epistolary romp that focuses on the battle sexual trysts. Who's-in-bed with whom, who knows, who doesn't, who's the cuckold, who's in posession of the letters... it is so devilishly twisted.
Old senile Mme de Rosemonde becomes the word of wisdom in this epistolary romp that focuses on the battle sexual trysts. Who's-in-bed with whom, who knows, who doesn't, who's the cuckold, who's in posession of the letters... it is so devilishly twisted.
June 16, 2017
It's good, although this abridged audiobook was unsatisfying! I could feel that they cut the story too much. But the performances are terrific. I do highly recommend this Audible edition for entertainment purposes, as it's only three hours long and good fun. It's performed by the 2015 cast from the West End of London play.
A lengthier review is on its way...
A lengthier review is on its way...
May 16, 2019
Beautifully performed. I enjoyed this immensely. Although, its almost a comedy in my eyes. All this drama that they created because they were bored. Nothing to occupy themselves with other than playing with the emotions of others. This is the story of french courtesans who's lives are consumed with the affairs of the heart - or should I say - toying with the affairs of the heart.
February 16, 2016
I saw the play thirty years ago in San Francisco and have never forgotten it. This Audible full cast production was very enjoyable. The beauty of the language came through.
The cast did a great job.
The cast did a great job.
February 7, 2016
Brilliantly performed and it really made want to the book again. It was like an abridged book though - unsatisfying! Still, it was a freebe from audible ;-D
September 13, 2017
An exchange of letters from various parties entangled in multiple love triangles. The story was intriguing and well written. Recommended to those who like delving into human psychology.
November 29, 2025
Everyone here is just horny and I'm an empath
September 24, 2024
Wonderful audio adaptation of one of my favorite books. Janet McTeer and Dominic West in the two leading roles are absolutely brilliant. I wish it were longer and not so abridged (2.5 hours).
July 16, 2017
This is a story I would not read again. It's about characters who play one another and use sensual, sexual allure and flattery to trick and beguile. Not the type of book that interests me. (I kept hoping it would get better.)
January 3, 2024
This story seemed like it could be really great!
But I had a lot of trouble following the abridged audiobook. There were so many names and I had to learn whose voice went with what names and how they all connected. By the time I had a grasp on even the most major characters, I was already missing key details.
But I had a lot of trouble following the abridged audiobook. There were so many names and I had to learn whose voice went with what names and how they all connected. By the time I had a grasp on even the most major characters, I was already missing key details.
September 13, 2024
This is dialogue mostly as letters between the characters. Everyone is overly dramatic. It's full of gossip and trying to have scandalous hook ups and plans to ruin others' lives. Fairly entertaining.
April 10, 2016
*3.5 stars*
I think this is one that I'll have to actually read the book to understand everything. The plot was difficult for me to follow with the different characters, especially with it being French literature and I inevitably always have difficulty keeping foreign names separate in my brain. I found myself thinking that I had finally figured everything out and then I would get confused again. From what I could make out and get straight in my head however, I did enjoy this. Quite a few twists and has plenty of subplot, behind-the-scenes antics going on and full of intrigue and naughtiness of the century. It's also epistolary which is one of my favorite styles. If you're familiar with the story or if you've read the book or seen the play beforehand, I think this would be easier to listen to on audiobook, but if you are a casual listener this may be difficult to follow. This version itself also is only excerpts, not the entirety of the book so that may have led to my difficulty as well.
However, the performance itself of this was very entertaining to listen to since its the actors from the play reading it aloud. They put plenty of emotion and realness into the characters and I really enjoyed listening to their performances. This would be a good version to pick up if you are looking for an emotional, dramatic recording.
I think this is one that I'll have to actually read the book to understand everything. The plot was difficult for me to follow with the different characters, especially with it being French literature and I inevitably always have difficulty keeping foreign names separate in my brain. I found myself thinking that I had finally figured everything out and then I would get confused again. From what I could make out and get straight in my head however, I did enjoy this. Quite a few twists and has plenty of subplot, behind-the-scenes antics going on and full of intrigue and naughtiness of the century. It's also epistolary which is one of my favorite styles. If you're familiar with the story or if you've read the book or seen the play beforehand, I think this would be easier to listen to on audiobook, but if you are a casual listener this may be difficult to follow. This version itself also is only excerpts, not the entirety of the book so that may have led to my difficulty as well.
However, the performance itself of this was very entertaining to listen to since its the actors from the play reading it aloud. They put plenty of emotion and realness into the characters and I really enjoyed listening to their performances. This would be a good version to pick up if you are looking for an emotional, dramatic recording.
Read
May 12, 2016So, I personally don't believe it's fair for me to rate this book, because I listened to Audible's very very abridged version of it. But I'm still going to count it here because I can, and I also think it's worth commenting about, for a few reasons.
First of all, if you want a short listen that is full of plot and intriguing characters, this is great. I just listened to a very long series of lectures, so this was a breath of fresh air. It's easy to complete in a day. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this book provides at least part of the plot of 1999's Cruel Intentions. Super fun. Perhaps best of all is the caliber of the actors and actresses in this production. They are all amazing and I can easily imagine listening to this audiobook again. I'm curious to read the entire book, to be sure. But to take a 12-hour book and break it down to two hours of just the letters (mostly those between the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont [both absolutely amazing]) is a recipe for disaster. But I fully enjoyed this snippet from the book. Well worth it.
First of all, if you want a short listen that is full of plot and intriguing characters, this is great. I just listened to a very long series of lectures, so this was a breath of fresh air. It's easy to complete in a day. Secondly, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this book provides at least part of the plot of 1999's Cruel Intentions. Super fun. Perhaps best of all is the caliber of the actors and actresses in this production. They are all amazing and I can easily imagine listening to this audiobook again. I'm curious to read the entire book, to be sure. But to take a 12-hour book and break it down to two hours of just the letters (mostly those between the Marquise de Merteuil and the Vicomte de Valmont [both absolutely amazing]) is a recipe for disaster. But I fully enjoyed this snippet from the book. Well worth it.
February 10, 2016
This is an abridged, full-cast production of the epistolary novel which was famously made into a movie starring Glenn Close and John Malkovich in 1988. This reading was nearly perfect. The voice acting conveyed the story and emotions well. The only voice actor that I wasn't completely happy with was Madame Merteuil's. I felt that the reader sounded like she was trying too hard be sexy. But that is a minor quibble and all in all, I was very satisfied.
Madame Merteuil is an embittered widow who engages her amoral friend (and former lover) the Vicomte de Valmont to seduce the virgin fiancée of a man who has just dumped her. The Vicomte is at first uninterested as he is on his own mission to seduce the virtuous and married Madame de Tourvel. However, in the end, he agrees to Madame de Merteuil's request on condition that she repay him by spending one night with him. Their twisted, toxic competition leads to the betrayal of trusting friends, the ruin of many, the deaths of both Valmont and Madame Tourvel and the public disgrace and self-imposed exile of Madame de Merteuil.
Madame Merteuil is an embittered widow who engages her amoral friend (and former lover) the Vicomte de Valmont to seduce the virgin fiancée of a man who has just dumped her. The Vicomte is at first uninterested as he is on his own mission to seduce the virtuous and married Madame de Tourvel. However, in the end, he agrees to Madame de Merteuil's request on condition that she repay him by spending one night with him. Their twisted, toxic competition leads to the betrayal of trusting friends, the ruin of many, the deaths of both Valmont and Madame Tourvel and the public disgrace and self-imposed exile of Madame de Merteuil.
February 6, 2016
Dangerous Liaisons is one of my favorite stories. This version is an interesting dramatization: an abridged audio version of the text, read by actors currently starring in a popular stage version. As one might expect, the narrators are excellent; but the abridged text, while it hits the main points, feels as if it perhaps abridges a little too much; more than once there were references to events that were either glossed over or completely absent. Similarly, the translation, while serviceable, felt a bit lackluster. All that said, I enjoyed this version - unlike numerous movie versions, the entire ensemble is well-cast, and if you're a fan of the story like I am, the sheer obsessive (and later malicious) passion with which Dominic West and Janet McTeer snipe at each other alone makes it worth the listen.
February 20, 2016
I have read 'Dangerous Liaisons' and it is fantastic. It has however, been a few years and so the story was just as gripping. I think the cast reading the letters was very well done and entertaining and it makes me wonder why more plays aren't turned into an audio book from the stage productions - Donmar may be on to a winner idea there!
However, I do think that this was slightly too abridged - had I not had prior knowledge of the plot through the book (and the countless teenage viewings of Cruel Intentions playing on ITV2 almost every week which led me to read the book in the first place), a lot of developments would have appeared out of nowhere or been skipped altogether.
The complex characters, however, we're brought to life spectacularly
However, I do think that this was slightly too abridged - had I not had prior knowledge of the plot through the book (and the countless teenage viewings of Cruel Intentions playing on ITV2 almost every week which led me to read the book in the first place), a lot of developments would have appeared out of nowhere or been skipped altogether.
The complex characters, however, we're brought to life spectacularly
April 12, 2016
When you're half an hour into an audio book and you realize this is the source material of a movie you watched compulsively as a teenager. Cruel Intentions staring Sarah Michelle Geller, Ryan Phillipe and Reese Witherspoon. This is the audio version of the currently on Broadway adaptation (stage play written by Mulller in the 1980's), done beautifully. As an epistolary novel, I struggle to imagine it on stage, but as an audio recording it beautifully reflects the tone and passions and many character cast. The story overall is one of moral intrigue and corruption- which makes it lightning fast and interesting, if not morally fortifying.
Read
February 17, 2016Free performance from Audible. Great voice acting, one of the best audiobook performances I've read. Never knew the 90s teen titillation movie "Cruel Intentions" was actually based on 18th Century literature. Next you'll tell me that the same is true for "Clueless" or "10 Things I Hate About You." Ha!
Two sociopathic serial seducers manipulate others to suit their carnal whims and desire for power and control. I think you're supposed to be sympathetic to the one and I think the other is supposed to represent double standards of sexual mores for men and women but basically both are just shitty shitty people. But bad people does not a bad book make.
Two sociopathic serial seducers manipulate others to suit their carnal whims and desire for power and control. I think you're supposed to be sympathetic to the one and I think the other is supposed to represent double standards of sexual mores for men and women but basically both are just shitty shitty people. But bad people does not a bad book make.
July 23, 2019
I have seen the play when it streamed by the National Theater live from the Donmar.
So I heard about the audiobook read by the cast and wanted to hear it - what I did.
I have to say, I enjoyed both of them. The play was excellent and the audiobook is very nicely done.
Of course it is abridged, the original book is between 500 and 600 pages on my ebook reader, so 2h reading time must cut a lot. But it is very well done, the main story unfolds itself beautifully and with the voices transport it very well.
But just to not miss anything, and because it has been on my reading list anyway, I am currently reading the german translation of the whole novel.
So I heard about the audiobook read by the cast and wanted to hear it - what I did.
I have to say, I enjoyed both of them. The play was excellent and the audiobook is very nicely done.
Of course it is abridged, the original book is between 500 and 600 pages on my ebook reader, so 2h reading time must cut a lot. But it is very well done, the main story unfolds itself beautifully and with the voices transport it very well.
But just to not miss anything, and because it has been on my reading list anyway, I am currently reading the german translation of the whole novel.
June 7, 2016
I love this little gift I got from Audible. This performance is done through the reading of letters in what I am guessing is the late 17th or early 18th century France since all the characters involved are of the nobility. The actors reading are superb. The emotional content floods the listener's ears from the very first letter. They quickly draw the listener in with this tale of petty revenge between petty nobles. It really makes you see why France had its revolution if all the nobles and clergymen acted like these people do. But it still sucks you into drama and makes you care about the outcome of this play, which you will be holding you breath for at the end.
July 27, 2022
While I am unfamiliar with other versions of the story, I found this adaptation and its performances to be delightful! My one critique may be that some of the older female characters' voices were not distinct enough, which made it difficult to keep track of the letters.
As an American, it is hard for me not to compare Les Liaisons Dangereuses to Cruel Intentions, which adapted the story for modern audiences in the late 1990s, but I enjoyed the novel/play thoroughly and prefer it.
If anyone needs to read the novel, I highly recommend this performance as a helpful tool for understanding it.
As an American, it is hard for me not to compare Les Liaisons Dangereuses to Cruel Intentions, which adapted the story for modern audiences in the late 1990s, but I enjoyed the novel/play thoroughly and prefer it.
If anyone needs to read the novel, I highly recommend this performance as a helpful tool for understanding it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews