A Phantom Lover by Vernon Lee (Free Audio Book)
A PHANTOM LOVER by VERNON LEE – A free audiobook
Narrated by Anthony Leslie
A Phantom Lover is a paranormal novella written by Vernon Lee and was first published in 1886. It has since garnered numerous accolades from fans for it’s ahead of its time in terms of storytelling. The story is set in an old Kentish manor and centers around William Oke, a portrait painter who is tasked to produce portraits of himself and his wife, the unusual Mrs. Alice Oke who has a striking resemblance to the portrait of a woman that is dated during the 17th century.
All manners of odd occurrences soon transpired and William is starting to suspect that his wife Alice Oke may have something to do with the strange events due to her strange connection to the portrait. They soon discover the woman in the portrait is also named Alice and that she had a suitor, a poet by name of Christopher Lovelock. Soon, Alice believes that the strange occurrences are in fact the haunting of Lovelock who believes her to be the reincarnation of his beloved Alice. Eventually, it escalates as William becomes wrapped in jealousy as Alice seems intent to contact Lovelock from the other side believing him to be her soul mate.
A Phantom Lover was ahead of its time for its portrayal of the supernatural in a different light. It also effectively combined the human elements into one haunting tale of love and jealousy. Anthony Leslie also gave a superb performance and captures the love, vulnerability and madness of the characters in the story.
You can listen below (it may take a moment to appear) or download here.
Book versions to buy from Amazon:
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