Looking for a gripping audiobook that will leave you on the edge of your seat? Look no further than Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke.” In this comprehensive audiobook review, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this Victorian mystery including the plot, characters, and what makes it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Overview of “The Ruby in the Smoke”
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” is an audiobook that falls under the mystery/thriller genre, set in Victorian London. It tells the story of Sally Lockhart, a young woman who sets out to unravel the secrets surrounding her father’s death.
The audiobook is a captivating listen that is ideal for fans of suspenseful stories that keep them guessing until the end. The story is brought to life through vivid descriptions of the setting and characters, expertly narrated by Anton Lesser.
One of the strengths of “The Ruby in the Smoke” is its intricate plotline that is full of unexpected twists and turns. The story takes listeners on a journey through the seedy underbelly of London, providing a glimpse into life during the Victorian era.
The audiobook’s unique blend of historical accuracy and fictional elements makes it an engaging listen for those interested in both history and fiction. Additionally, the writing style is exceptional, with descriptive passages that paint a vivid picture of the world in which the story is set.
If you’re a fan of mysteries, thrillers, or historical fiction, “The Ruby in the Smoke” is definitely worth a listen. It’s a captivating audiobook that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Plot Summary
Set in 1872, “The Ruby in the Smoke” follows Sally Lockhart, a sixteen-year-old girl who embarks on a dangerous adventure to uncover the truth about her father’s untimely death. Along the way, she becomes entangled in the schemes of a sinister opium trader and a mysterious ruby that everyone seems to be searching for.
As Sally delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers shocking secrets about her father’s past and unwittingly puts herself in grave danger. With the help of new allies and her own wit and determination, Sally races against time to unravel the truth and save her own life.
The Ruby
The ruby in question is a valuable gemstone that everyone is searching for. It holds the key to a scandalous secret that could ruin reputations and destroy lives. As the characters in the story race to find the jewel, they reveal their true motives and alliances, leading to shocking twists and turns.
Key Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Sally Lockhart | A brave and resourceful sixteen-year-old girl who is determined to uncover the truth about her father’s death. |
| Frederick Garland | A photographer who becomes Sally’s ally and love interest. |
| Jim Taylor | A streetwise boy who helps Sally navigate the dangerous streets of London. |
| Mrs. Holland | A wealthy woman with a hidden agenda who employs Sally and later becomes a key player in the search for the ruby. |
| Axel Bellmann | An opium trader who holds the key to the ruby’s secret and will stop at nothing to keep it safe. |
Overall, “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a riveting mystery with a strong heroine and a thrilling plot. The audiobook version brings the story to life with immersive narration and sound design, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Main Characters
Get to know the key characters in “The Ruby in the Smoke,” each with their unique roles that contribute to the exciting plot. Sally Lockhart is the protagonist, a sixteen-year-old independent young woman who inherits her father’s debts after he mysteriously dies at sea. Her quest for answers leads her to uncover a web of deceit and corruption.
Frederick Garland, a photographer and Sally’s friend, also helps her in her investigation. Meanwhile, Mr. Berry, a kind-hearted but strange apothecary, plays a significant role in the story. Mrs. Holland, a wealthy woman, and her evil son, Axel Bellmann, add to the twists and turns throughout the story.
Set against the backdrop of London’s foggy streets, the relationships between these dynamic characters drive the plot forward in this thrilling Victorian mystery.
Narration
The narration of “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook has a significant impact on the listening experience. The voice acting by multiple actors, led by Anton Lesser, who voices the main character, gripped the attention of listeners and brought the story to life. The use of varying pitch, tone, and accents for different characters helped to differentiate them and made the story easier to follow.
The narrator’s style was fluid, and the pacing was just right, maintaining the listener’s interest and keeping them engaged. The use of sound effects such as background noises, music, and atmospheric sounds added an extra layer to the narration, immersing listeners in the intricate plot of the Victorian mystery.
Voices of the Characters
The audiobook also effectively used voice actors to differentiate characters, each voicing individual roles. Listeners are transported to varied locations through immersive soundscapes, adding layers to the narrative. The change of voice acting technology added to the variation and emotion of different characters portrayed by distinct voice actors. These soundscapes were pleasing to the ear, with the music acting to elevate the narration, creating a surreal experience for audiobook lovers. With the excellent performance of the narrators, the audience was successfully transported to the Victorian era, within the world of the book.
Atmosphere and Setting
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a novel set in Victorian London and the audiobook version effectively captures the mood of the era. The detailed descriptions of the setting, from the foggy streets to the shadowy alleyways, create a vivid sense of atmosphere that transports the listener to another time.
The smoky and gloomy setting enhances the storytelling and adds to the suspense of the mystery. Each location is described in detail, creating a sense of immersion for the listener. The use of language, such as the vivid descriptions of the city’s landscape, contributes to the richness of the story and keeps listeners engaged.
The Victorian era was characterized by cultural, political, and social changes, and Pullman carefully incorporates these elements into the story. The audiobook is a fascinating exploration of the time period, offering a glimpse into historical London in the late 19th century. The setting of “The Ruby in the Smoke” is truly unique and is an essential component in the development of the story.
Themes and Messages
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” delves into several social and moral issues, making this mystery more than just a gripping story. Through the characters and their experiences, Pullman conveys messages about the importance of truth, justice, and the consequences of greed.
One of the primary themes of the novel is the search for identity and belonging. As the main character, Sally Lockhart navigates the murky waters of Victorian London, she struggles to unearth the truth about her family and place in society. Her journey of self-discovery highlights the challenges faced by women in a world dominated by men.
The novel also examines the corrupting influence of power and wealth. The various individuals and factions vying for possession of the ruby represent the darker side of human nature and the destructive consequences of greed. The theme highlights the need for compassion, fairness, and integrity in society to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable individuals and groups.
Pullman’s storytelling addresses another significant theme: the impact of colonialism. As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that the ruby holds significant historical and cultural value to indigenous peoples. The various parties involved in the quest for the jewel highlight the tension between different cultures and the consequences of imperialism.
Themes and Messages
| Themes | Messages |
|---|---|
| Search for identity and belonging | Challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society |
| Power and wealth | Corruption and exploitation resulting from greed |
| Colonialism | Tension between cultures and consequences of imperialism |
Pacing and Suspense
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a masterclass in creating tension and suspense through its expert pacing. From the very beginning, listeners are drawn into the world of Sally Lockhart and her quest to solve the mystery of her father’s death. The story unfolds at a steady clip, with new clues and revelations being unveiled at just the right moments to keep listeners engaged and guessing.
The audiobook’s narrator adds to the atmosphere of suspense with their delivery, heightening the tension during pivotal moments and ratcheting up the stakes. Each scene is expertly crafted, building upon the last to create a sense of danger and urgency that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Example of Pacing:
| Chapter | Plot Development |
|---|---|
| Chapter 1 | Sally receives a cryptic message from her father |
| Chapter 6 | Sally follows a lead to a seedy opium den |
| Chapter 12 | A shocking discovery is made about Sally’s father |
| Chapter 15 | Escaping danger, Sally races to unravel the mystery before it’s too late |
With its gripping story, expertly crafted pacing, and heart-pumping suspense, “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a must-listen audiobook for fans of mystery and suspense. Don’t miss out on the thrill of this thrilling Victorian whodunit.
Writing Style
Philip Pullman’s writing style in “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook is captivating. Pullman adeptly uses descriptive language to evoke the setting and characters. His characters are well-developed, with detailed personalities and motivations. The dialogue in the audiobook is realistic and flows seamlessly, making the story enjoyable to follow.
Pullman also employs figurative language and imagery, adding depth and creating vivid mental images of characters and scenes. He masterfully captures the essence of the Victorian era by using appropriate language and cultural references. The writing style is engaging, and the listener is absorbed into the story, transported to a different time and place.
Overall, Pullman’s writing style in “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook is engaging and immersive, perfectly capturing the essence of the story and the setting.
Historical Accuracy
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a historical fiction novel that is set in Victorian London. The author’s extensive research and attention to detail make the novel historically accurate, capturing the essence of the era.
From the descriptions of various locations, including the docks and opium dens, to the clothing and social norms, Pullman paints a vivid picture of life in 19th century London. The use of actual historical events, such as the opium wars in China, also adds to the authenticity of the story.
Furthermore, Pullman accurately portrays the societal issues of the time. He explores the themes of class, gender, and race in a way that reflects the realities of Victorian society. This attention to historical accuracy adds depth and richness to the story, making it an immersive and educational experience for listeners.
Audiobook Production Quality
The production quality of an audiobook can make or break the listening experience. In the case of “The Ruby in the Smoke,” the audiobook production quality is top-notch. The sound design effectively transports listeners to Victorian England, immersing them in the world of the story. The music adds to the suspense and enhances the atmosphere, complementing the narration.
The sound quality is crisp and clear, ensuring the audio experience is pleasant to the ear throughout. The narrator’s voice is consistent, making it easy to follow the story without distractions. Overall, the audiobook production quality of “The Ruby in the Smoke” is exceptional, making it a must-listen for fans of the genre.
Comparison to the Book
When comparing the audiobook version of “The Ruby in the Smoke” to the original book, there are some notable differences worth mentioning.
| Aspect | Book | Audiobook |
|---|---|---|
| Length | The book is around 240 pages long. | The audiobook has a total runtime of 8 hours and 47 minutes. |
| Format | The book is in a written format. | The audiobook, as the name suggests, is in audio format. |
| Experience | Reading the book provides a more personal and immersive experience. | The audiobook provides a different experience, with a talented narrator bringing the story to life through voice acting. |
| Additional Features | N/A | The audiobook features music and sound design that enhance the listening experience. |
Despite these differences, both versions effectively convey the thrilling story and captivating characters of “The Ruby in the Smoke.” Ultimately, whether you prefer the traditional reading experience or the immersive audio experience, Pullman’s masterpiece is not to be missed.
Audience Reception
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook received generally positive reviews from both readers and listeners. The gripping mystery set in Victorian London captivated audiences with its engaging plot and compelling characters. Listeners praised the audiobook’s narration, production quality, and overall atmosphere that brought the story to life.
Reviews and Ratings
On Goodreads, “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook has an average rating of 4.05 out of 5 stars based on over 27,000 ratings and 1,700 reviews. Listeners praised the audiobook’s engaging plot, detailed setting, and well-developed characters. Some readers noted that they enjoyed the audiobook even more than the physical book. Over on Amazon, the audiobook holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 400 reviews.
Feedback from the Audience
Listeners appreciated the atmospheric world-building, tense pacing, and immersive narration that made the story come alive. Some listeners noted that the audiobook was a great way to experience the story while doing other activities, such as driving or household chores. Others praised the voice acting and characterizations that brought the diverse cast of characters to life.
Conclusion
Philip Pullman’s “The Ruby in the Smoke” is a thrilling audiobook that will transport listeners to a detailed Victorian world filled with mystery and suspense. The well-crafted plot, intriguing characters, and atmospheric setting make it an excellent choice for fans of historical fiction and detective stories. Narrator Anton Lesser’s performance adds to the overall experience, bringing the story and its characters to life.
The audiobook’s pacing and use of suspense keep listeners engaged, while Pullman’s writing style and attention to historical accuracy make it an impressive work of fiction. Overall, “The Ruby in the Smoke” audiobook is highly recommended for those looking for a riveting listen.
