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The Ghosts of Kerfol Audiobook
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(3.06) - 214 listener ratings
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In her classic ghost story “Kerfol,” Edith Wharton tells the tale of Anne de Barrigan, a young Frenchwoman convicted of murdering her husband, the jealous Yves de Cornault. The elderly lord was found dead on the stairs, apparently savaged by a pack of dogs, though there were no dogs—no live dogs—at Kerfol that day. In this remarkable collection of intertwining short stories, Deborah Noyes takes us back to the haunted manor to tell Anne de Barrigan’s story through the sympathetic eyes of her servant girl. Four more tales slip forward in time, peering in on a young artist, a hard-drinking party girl, a young American couple, and a deaf gardener who now tends the Kerfol estate. All of these souls are haunted by the ghosts of Kerfol—the dead dogs, the sensual yet uneasy relationships, and the bitter taste of revenge.
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"The Ghosts of Kerfol is an anthology of ghost stories all set in one Renaissance French mansion. The stories range in chronological time frames from 1613 to 1982 and they're about people encountering the mansion's ghosts. The anthology is based on Edith Wharton's ghost story, Kerfol. The Ghosts of Kerfol is excellent. The protagonist of each story is very different from those of the others, and Deborah Noyes gives each a distinct inner voice, perspective, and reason for being at Kerfol. In a lesser talent, all the stories would have had the same style. Each story was fascinating; not a weak one in the bunch. I actually bought The Ghosts of Kerfol thinking it WAS Edith Wharton's Kerfol (maybe I'm ADD). I'm so glad for my mistake. Now, of course, I can't wait to find Wharton's story."
— Naima (5 out of 5 stars)
The Ghosts of Kerfol Listener Reviews
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" I love the idea behind this book. After reading Edith Wharton's "Kerfol" just before getting this book, I was excited to read Noyes' take on the continuing adventures at the haunted house, but I felt that the delivery never quite lived up to the premise. It took me awhile to really get into the first story, but I think overall it's my favorite in the collection, followed by the final story. The three in the middle are all good stories, but not as creepy and thrilling as I'd hoped they would be. "
— Angela, 2/8/2014 -
" I love creepy, gothic ghost stories and Noyes is creating her place as the reigning queen of gothic. This collection is based on Edith Wharton's Kerfol, the story of love, jealousy and dead vengeful dogs. The first story in this collection retells Kerfol from a servant's point of view and is the best in the collection. Each of the following stories visits Kerfol in a different century. Each character has some outside dilemma. It feels to me as if these dilemmas really distract from the real story - the Ghosts of Kerfol. I would have liked to have read more about the hauntings and about a possible resolution to the timeless tragedy that makes them remain in such an enigmatic place. I also feel that this is not the best book for teens - it is too mature in its theme and style. I am not sure YA readers in seek of the scare will find it in this. It is worth a read, however. Lovers of true ghost stories will find themselves in a brief romance here. "
— Emily, 1/31/2014 -
" Actually not bad...kinda odd but a great ghost story in Ireland! "
— Sabrina, 1/18/2014 -
" engaging little gothic, one-sit read. "
— Julie, 12/26/2013 -
" I could not put this book down. Very enjoyable for me. "
— Marg, 11/13/2013 -
" This was creepy and wonderful to read right around Halloween! It is based on Edith Wharton's ghost story and Noyes does a great job of remaining authentic to the tone of that tale while injecting some modernism. Quick and spooky :) "
— Kate, 10/22/2013 -
" A set of short stories revolving around the estate of Kerfol. The first story sets the scene all too well and the others involve parts of that story come back to life. I love the sweeping tales of love and murder and the haunting feel of the whole book. "
— Kristen, 10/21/2013 -
" Really good and just scary enough! "
— Maria, 4/16/2012 -
" This was not the book for me at all. Now, I don't generally care for short stories, so that may be part of it, but I could not get into this title. "
— Heather, 2/29/2012 -
" Short story ghost stories centered around a French estate called Kerfol. I still need to read the Edith Wharton story that these are based on... "
— Rachel, 2/11/2012 -
" Beautifully written and sophisticated. "
— Edward, 1/8/2012 -
" I like this, but when I bot it I didn't know it was a gothic. Now I want to read more gothic books. "
— Gabrielle, 8/20/2011 -
" Based on Edith Wharton's "Kerfol". A ghost story set in a French castle. Reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock. The beginning and end were the best to me. The middle was a little confusing. It did come together in the end, though it still left you hanging. "
— Annamaria, 7/20/2011 -
" A pretty average ghost story. "
— Pat, 6/1/2011 -
" Interesting interpretation and expansions of Wharton's short story.<br/>I enjoyed how we got the original story from the maid's perspective. I also liked that we got the history of Kerfol (the house) itself through the years, and the way the legend and the ghosts affected future generations. "
— Kirsten, 4/5/2011 -
" I was expecting the ghost stories to be scarier and really wanted there to be a stronger connection between the stories. "
— Jennifer, 12/19/2010 -
" I could not put this book down. Very enjoyable for me. "
— Marg, 6/23/2010 -
" Based on Edith Wharton book bringing ghosts from mansion Kerfol together over the years. "
— Barbara, 8/31/2009 -
" Seemed like a promising idea - write a collection based around a classic Wharton ghost story - but it doesn't quite pan out. "
— Mark, 8/14/2009 -
" Stunning, smart writing, and eerie ghost stories that are linked. The first story takes place in 1613 and the last, in 2006. Gorgeous! "
— Kari, 7/5/2009 -
" Based on Edith Wharton's "Kerfol". A ghost story set in a French castle. Reminds me of Alfred Hitchcock. The beginning and end were the best to me. The middle was a little confusing. It did come together in the end, though it still left you hanging. "
— Annamaria, 6/9/2009
About Deborah Noyes
Deborah Noyes is the author of The Ghosts of Kerfol and the editor of the anthologies The Restless Dead and Gothic. She lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.
About Justine Eyre
Justine Eyre is a classically trained actress who has narrated many audiobooks, earning the prestigious Audie Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She is multilingual and known for her great facility with accents. She has appeared on stage, with leading roles in King Lear and The Crucible, and has had starring roles in four films on the indie circuit. Her television credits include Two and a Half Men and Mad Men.