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Indiscretion: A Novel Audiobook
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(3.01) - 991 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
"Every story has a narrator. Someone who writes it down after it's all over. Why am I the narrator of this story? I am because it is the story of my life—and of the people I love most. . . ."
Harry and Madeleine Winslow have been blessed with talent, money, and charm. Harry is a National Book Award–winning author on the cusp of greatness. Madeleine is a woman of sublime beauty and grace whose elemental goodness and serenity belie a privileged upbringing. Bonded by deep devotion, they share a love that is both envied and admired. The Winslows play host to a coterie of close friends and acolytes eager to bask in their golden radiance, whether they are in their bucolic East Hampton cottage, abroad in Rome thanks to Harry's writing grant, or in their comfortable Manhattan brownstone.
One weekend at the start of the summer season, Harry and Maddy, who are in their early forties, meet Claire and cannot help but be enchanted by her winsome youth, quiet intelligence, and disarming naivete. Drawn by the Winslows' inscrutable magnetism, Claire eagerly falls into their welcoming orbit. But over the course of the summer, her reverence transforms into a dangerous desire. By Labor Day, it is no longer enough to remain one of their hangers-on.
A story of love, lust, deception, and betrayal as seen through the omniscient eyes of Maddy's childhood friend Walter, a narrator akin to Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby, Indiscretion is a juicy, richly textured novel filled with fascinating, true-to-life characters—an irresistibly sensual page-turner that explores having it all and the consequences of wanting more.
Indiscretion also marks the debut of a remarkably gifted writer and storyteller whose unique voice bears all the hallmarks of an exciting new literary talent.
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"I was lucky enough to receive a galley of this coming summer's best beach read. After a slight rocky start we are drawn into a guilty pleasure and a compulsive read. Summer friends, beachfront homes, an attractive and charming young woman and a marriage unraveling. Told from the point of view of an old friend of a wealthy and charmed family which makes for an interesting perspective."
— Susan (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Charles Dubow has pulled off something remarkable: a finely tuned, perfectly pitched literary novel with the urgency of a tensely plotted thriller. I couldn’t put it down.”
— Chris Pavone, New York Times bestselling author of The Expats -
“Indiscretion richly delves into the complex permutations of love. Charles Dubow writes with nuanced precision, and his characters are captivatingly real. This is a fine, supple, riveting first novel.”
— Kate Christensen, New York Times bestselling author -
“Dubow crafts an epic novel of friendship, betrayal and undying love…A beautifully written debut…that skillfully tugs at the heartstrings.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review) -
“Dubow’s first novel is a deliciously absorbing page-turner. His captivating characters jump off the page to pull the reader into their story.”
— Library Journal (starred review) -
“A smart, sensuous, and moving debut…Delicious…The characters exude a Jazz Age glamour.”
— O, The Oprah Magazine -
“[An] elegant debut…Smart and observant writing makes the story well worth the ride.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“In his first novel, Dubow proves himself to be an elegant writer with a shrewd sense of how to shape his material for the broadest appeal. Glamorous settings, old money, and steamy sex all combine to make this one a totally addictive read.”
— Booklist -
“A cultural lament wrapped in a lesson about extramarital lust—a riveting read.”
— Daily Beast -
“Narrator Robert Petkoff reads the story in a sophisticated, calm tone that fully articulates and enhances the words with feeling.”
— SoundCommentary.com -
“Dubow’s raw and tantalizing debut is sure to be a timeless hit!…Romantic and devastating, it’s a delectable train wreck to devour.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars)
Awards
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Selected for the February 2013 Indie Next List
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A BookPage Book of the Day, February 2013
Indiscretion Listener Reviews
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" Promising... But disappointing. This novel could have been so much more. It's finally trite, and the writing is flat. "
— Richard, 2/18/2014 -
" All it takes is one "indiscretion" to change so many lives! Great read! "
— Jmgrn, 2/14/2014 -
" At times I really loved this book - mostly the middle part of the book. Tt is hard to relate to people who live such charmed lives - so did not like the beginning that much (when characters were introduced) or the last part - but did enjoy the middle part of the book very much - so all in all - gave it three stars. Did ask some interesting questions about life's choices and fate. "
— Sharon, 2/4/2014 -
" Definitely starts off as a juicy, easy to read summer novel...that takes an unexpected, mind-blowing turn. Sexy, heart-wrenching. It would have received 4 stars from me had it been less slow to start and finish. "
— Laura, 1/31/2014 -
" Good fast read. Loved the characters (except Claire). I didn't like in the end she blames Harry for the affair because she was to young. She was an adult,she knew what she was doing. I think poor Walter needed to get a life. What a sad lonely man. I liked the story for the most part but at times I felt frustrated and mad. In the end it is a good book. "
— Shari, 1/17/2014 -
" Didn't expect to like this book, so happy I took a chance. Great narrator. Hard to believe it his first book. "
— Terri, 1/17/2014 -
" Very sad. And tricky. Very very tricky. I was a bit ticked off at the author at a certain point. Those who have read it will know what I speak of. "
— Erin, 1/15/2014 -
" This is a wonderful book, richly descriptive of the main characters. I didn't see the plot developing the way it did, so it caught me emotionally off guard. It's the kind of book you think about for days afterward. Can't wait to see what his second book will be like! "
— Jo, 12/28/2013 -
" Despite the ending, really enjoyed this book. Find myself thinking about it often - - how one mistake can irrevocably change so many lives. Characters were well developed. Highly recommend it - "
— Samantha, 12/13/2013 -
" Interesting book that shows how an affair can end even a strong marriage. "
— Tracy, 12/7/2013 -
" Not my cup of tea... Back to thrillers and murder mysteries! "
— Stacey, 8/9/2013 -
" The writing was inconsistent throughout the book but I enjoyed the voice of the narrator and the creative use of the voice. The characters came to life off the pages. I just wish that the writing itself wasn't so distracting at times. "
— Patti, 7/20/2013 -
" Excellent novel. Compelling story that had me ignoring my guests while I finished the last few chapters. Written well enough for me to add some quotes to my list of favorites. "
— Elise, 7/15/2013 -
" Without a doubt this is the worst book I have ever read. Filled with superfluous writing this poorly structured novel has never seen an editor. Read this and it will be time you will never get back. "
— Lisa, 5/1/2013 -
" Goes from subtle to really trashy very quickly. With its very staccato writing style I have no motivation to finish it. "
— Hannah, 3/15/2013 -
" Pain is transient but love eternal. Great read! "
— Dede, 2/16/2013 -
" I loved this story although in some ways I wished it ended 40 pages earlier than it did. The writing was gorgeous, the characters were human and while not a new story, it was told well. Highly recommend. "
— Laura, 2/10/2013
About Charles Dubow
Charles Dubow was born in New York City and spent his summers at his family’s house on Georgica Pond in East Hampton. He was educated at Wesleyan and New York University and worked as a roustabout, a lumberjack, a sheepherder in New Zealand, and a congressional aide. Dubow was a founding editor of Forbes.com and later an editor at Businessweek.com. He lives in New York City with his wife Melinda, children William and Lally, and Labrador retriever Luke.
About Robert Petkoff
Robert Petkoff is an actor and audiobook narrator who has won a prestigious Audie Award and multiple AudioFile Earphones Awards and has been named an AudioFile Golden Voice. He has appeared on Chappelle’s Show, Law & Order, and Quantum Leap. His Broadway credits include Sir Robin in Spamalot, Perchik in Fiddler on the Roof, and Tateh in Ragtime.