“O Russet Witch!” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Read by JD Jackson

Every Monday through Friday, AudioFile’s editors recommend the best in audiobook listening. We keep our daily episodes short and sweet, with audiobook clips to give you a sample of our featured listens.

Narrator JD Jackson exudes the perfect jazzy style for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile’s Michele Cobb talk about the Golden Voice narrator’s skills at bringing this story about class and regret to life. Merlin Grainger’s entire life is a series of missed moments and frustrated hopes, punctuated by the mysterious appearances of a dazzlingly beautiful woman he dubs Caroline—but Merlin goes on to pursue a less fulfilling relationship with a different woman. Jackson’s deliciously vibrant narration brings to life Fitzgerald’s pointed examinations of class and social aspiration. This all-too-brief production will leave listeners wanting more. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile’s website.

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