This was a hard audiobook to listen to. I had no problem with the narrator. It was the story itself. I had thought that this story would be like Jane Eyre, but I was proven wrong. This was a disturbing listen. I barely managed to finish it, but I did not enjoy it. I’m sure those that like very dark and mentally disturbing stories will love it! For me, it is the worst listen of 2021.

The Short Version: A tragedy drawing heavily from Greek tragedies and mythology wound up in a real life horror aesthetic possessing all the tools for a gripping page turner but ends up meandering about the gloomy landscape

The Long Version: This will be MOSTLY spoiler free, but don’t worry, I will warn you.

I got to listen to the audiobook thanks to Net Galley and the publisher.

Alright so Rose is a classics teacher and she gets selected to head the classics department at a prestigious boarding school in Scotland. Fairly quickly she senses something is off, and as she gets familiar with the school, it only gets worse! By the third act, Rose is in her very own Scottish version of American Horror Story.

Alright so the premise and setting are bang on. Creepy Scottish castle like boarding school....check! A secretive group of teachers and administrators concealing their unsavory intentions and practices....check!

But that’s where things get off the rails.

MILD SPOILER AHEAD!

The main problem is Rose. I get she’s in an unfamiliar environment and horrified by the things she sees, but her character growth and arc are haphazard to non existent. She realizes she’s essentially trapped there at the school but she doesn’t really think through a plan to solve her problems. She oscillates from being indignant to being a helpless, hapless victim. Meanwhile she’s teaching her students about all these strong women from the Greek stories and not embodying their traits at all.

The narrators performance did not help either. She didn’t do a bad job, she just sounded like an English school teacher reciting a lesson while narrating. That both fits the story but pulled all the emotional punch out of it for me. Her dialogue was better and she made a wide cast of characters relatively distinct, but I felt the writing was stronger than the emotion I got from the narration.

REAL SPOILER AHEAD!!! LIKE SERIOUSLY!

Last major problem was the resolution. First off it was telegraphed big time so the surprise was sapped away from it. Secondly it was a total Deus Ex Machina which fits the Greek influences I suppose, it’s just not satisfying. Third, and here’s the spoiler, her students try to “rescue” her by setting fire to her file in the head masters office. Rose asks them to escort her there, and the girls are SHOCKED the fire has grown out of control. Initially I was like “Seriously? I know they’re 14 year olds, but they don’t know how fire works?” That was until my wife reminded me of the time I took a sip of scalding hot tea in a convenience store and held it in my mouth, burning my entire mouth because I couldn’t decide what to do when I didn’t want to spit it out onto someone. Even so, this being the big ending was a letdown after a solid of uneven lead up.

I bounced around a lot on this but overall I’ll give it a 2.5 out of 5 rounded up because there’s clearly potential here and I think the author just has to put a few things together better to deliver a knockout horror story. Would recommend to any fans of Greek tragedy who can move past the protagonist being a little helpless.

Component Ratings
Idea/ Concept: 5 out of 5
Protagonist: 2 out of 5
Supporting Cast: 4 out of 5
Character Development: 1.5 out of 5
Plot: 3.5 out of 5
Prose: 4 out of 5
Atmosphere: 4 out of 5
Dialogue: 4 out of 5
Pacing: 4 out of 5
Narrator Performance: 2.5 out of 5
Ending: 3 out of 5

My thanks to Macmillan Audio for a review copy via NetGalley of the unabridged audiobook edition of ‘Madam’ by Phoebe Wynne in exchange for an honest review. The audiobook is narrated by Nathalie Buscombe with a running time of 13 hours, 52 minutes.

This was an amazing novel and once started I found myself completely caught up in it. I subsequently bought both ebook and audiobook editions.

In the autumn of 1992 Rose Christie, a 26-year-old Classics teacher, has just joined the faculty of Caldonbrae Hall, a boarding school for girls located in the ancestral castle of Lord William Hope. The castle was built on a peninsula on the coast of Scotland with turrets, cloisters, the occasional gargoyle and nearby crashing waves. A perfect Gothic location. Established 150 years ago, the school is considered a beacon of excellence that promises that its pupils will emerge 'resilient and ready to serve society'.

From the start Rose feels overwhelmed by the institution: its arcane traditions and entitled pupils. Rose must always be addressed as ‘Madam’ and the icy, vindictive students seem to make it sound an insult.

While seeking to inspire her students with an appreciation for the women of ancient history and myth, Rose also investigates the mysteries associated with the school. Does something sinister beat at the heart of Caldonbrae? You will have to read the book to find out as my lips are sealed against spoilers.

This is Phoebe Wynne’s debut novel. She had taught Classics for a number of years and integrates material associated with these studies into the narrative. ‘Madam’ was also inspired by ‘Rebecca’ with Wynne drawing upon the traditions of Gothic literature.

With respect to the audiobook, Nathalie Buscombe has worked extensively in film, radio, television, as well as on stage. Her voice was strong, clear and crisp, effortlessly portraying the range of characters in the novel. I had enjoyed her work on other audiobooks and felt that she did an excellent job here.

I found ‘Madam’ an unsettling academic novel exploring themes linked to female agency. The descriptions of the castle and its environs was very atmospheric. Personally, I found it a compelling read and was fully immersed in my dual read/listen.

Having loved this debut, I look forward to news of Phoebe Wynne’s future projects.

Fantastic narrator, but unfortunately a slow and laborious storyline. I was drawn to this book because of the setting in Scotland, but was disappointed in the tale as a whole. The main character, Rose, was not particularly likeable, and for all her training in the classics, seemed to be lacking the strength of character and common sense to survive her circumstances. I expected a dark and haunting tale, but hoped for a little light from at least one of the characters.

Madam is the one I could never have. I requested it on NetGalley, denied. I requested on Edelweiss, denied. Sent an email to the publisher, nothing. Entered every Goodreads giveaway I could find, lost. Almost bought an ARC off EBay solely because I’m a paperback kind of person and needed this story. I was invested. So the bookgods decided to lay a little mercy on me and provide an audio copy from @macmillan audio!

This book is exactly why I would never survive in high society. Like Rose, why can’t y’all just call them by their surname?! All these rules and regulations, my little rebel heart felt claustrophobic with how much they brought down. Rose was open and bold, and girl, yes. Some may find Rose to be brash or just annoying, I found her to be in the right.

If you’re so over and so tired of boarding school trope, I urge you, give this one the chance. This has the Greek mythology similarities to The Maidens, but the story and uneasy feeling throughout was executed far better than the other. I did feel like it could have wrapped up a bit quicker, but overall, y’all, this lived up to my anticipated hype. I think some of us see Women’s Fiction, we think of the complicated interpersonal relationship stories, the beach reads, but not really the atmospheric dark fiction. This is dark.

Overall, I enjoyed Madam. I’m still a bit creeped out, but loved the strong personalities whom are to be tamed by graduation. Madam is out Tuesday, the 18th. Thank you so much MacMillan Audio for the gifted copy. I will be ordering Madam in paperback (when it releases) because I need this on my shelf!

Madam was an intriguing feminist dive into the world of classics and academia with underlying sinister tones. I was drawn to the dark boarding school atmosphere and enjoyed uncovering bits and pieces of how twisted the scenario was throughout the story. I found Rose, the main character, to be a little naive as she experiences teaching at the school and couldn't bring myself to fully root for her despite how awful the school ended up being. I did enjoy the twists and turns along the way, but I didn't appreciate the self-loathing lesbian character who came off a little predatory in all of her interactions with Rose. I'm all for flawed queer characters but there seemed to be no reason for this inclusion. Overall it was an entertaining mystery but not one of my favorites.

I was granted access to Madam on audio by NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

I will always pick up a book about entitled, spoiled wealthy girls who attend boarding school, and this one did not disappoint.

Rose Christie is hired to teach Classics at a prestigious girls' school in remote Scotland. As she settles in to her new role, she starts to realize there is more to the school and its students than one would think. As she questions the oddities she notices - including the sudden downfall of one of her students, she is drawn deeper and deeper in the mystery.

This book is interwoven with stories of Greek mythology, and not being well versed, I enjoyed learning those stories as well. Fast paced, dark and twisty.

Just couldn't get through this one. Sounded so promising, but it was such a slow burn I kept turning it off and the narrator didn't help.

Incredibly narrated and the perfect accompaniment to the book for anyone who likes to read and listen at the same time!
Thank you to Netgalley for this arc audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book based on the synopsis but it just didn’t do it for me. I didn’t connect with the characters and I felt like the plot wasn’t cohesive. I’m sure this book will be a favorite for others but it wasn’t for me.

I went back and forth between listening to this book and reading the audiobook. I had good experiences with both. In general, the book was quite a slow build. The entire time you can tell that something is wrong with the school but man does it throw some punches at the end. The end is climactic and extreme but the build up was lagging at times. The piece that I struggled with the most was the time period, I understand that setting this in the 1990's was intentional juxtaposition but it never read like it was actually set in that time and I often found myself forcing myself to remember that it wasn't set in the Victorian era but instead modern times. A decent read but not necessarily my favorite.

Totally creepy.... gothic eeriness in a recent era. The Scotland girls’ school vibe with the girls being groomed was so odd. I loved the addition of ancient mythology heroines and feminism... but it was a little slow for my taste. Thanks so much to @netgalley for the E-ARC!

So I’m not sure if I’m just really dumb or this book was confusing. I read the premise and i thought wow i wanna read that so bad. I even put it on my Amazon wishlist. I was so happy when i got the audiobook. I was confused during the whole book and really had no clue what was going on. I thought it was going to be a boarding school book, and it kind of is but just not done well in my opinion. Rose, the main character, was just so bland and naive. I get she’s the youngest teacher but wow she really made no sense on some of her decisions. I loved the atmosphere of this book but honestly i don’t think that was enough. The writing i liked but I’m not sure if it worked for this kind of book

A young woman, Rose, gets the job of a department head teacher at an exclusive, remote Scottish girls’ boarding school. She believes it to be the job of her dreams until she encounters very strange behavior by others at the school. As odd and dangerous things continue to happens, Rose begins to question everything around her, including her own sanity and the untoward motives of others.

I was drawn to the plot of this and I loved the gothic feel. The narrator of the audio version did an excellent job of bringing Rose and the other characters to life. The plot was different and reminded me a little of the Handmaid’s Tale, with overwhelming female oppression made acceptable in this society. Rose seeks to break patriarchal boundaries and is duly punished for it but not before she has helped some of her young charges see alternatives. This was an ok read for me and I liked the fact that it was different but I did not find it to be outstanding in any way.

This just didn't do it for me. I couldn't get into the story and it just ended up being okay. This type of story has been done before and I didn't feel this did anything unique or different.

I really struggled with this book. I didn't connect with the characters, and the plot felt unfinished at points. I felt like there were loose ends that could have been wrapped up. It was, unfortunately a struggle to get through.

This has been the best audiobook I have listened to in a long time.The story line was fascinating and really made me think about what was happening in this book.The narrator was fabulous and had such a soothing voice that made it so easy to listen to.I would highly recommend this book.

Madam
Phoebe Wynne
Madam is a tale set in the Scottish Highlands in the 1990s although you would think it was the early 1800s. Caldonbrae Hall is a private boarding school for girls located in an old castle. The school is over 150 years old; they have not hired a new teacher for a decade. Rose Christie was recommended to replace the Classics teacher and to be the head of the department. Rose is a mere 26 years old, a feminist and stunned by the offer although she accepts it. The school’s atmosphere is dark, secretive, and gothic. Rose’s predecessor left the school under mysterious circumstances. As Rose begins a search for the former teacher,
I felt sorry for Rose in this Gothic, Feminist, Women’s fiction; she is naïve, a bit silly, and more than a little immature. She does not know how to read a room and often acts in the most grievous manner. Rose teaches the classics and seems to concentrate on Greek Mythology. Rose not only teaches Greek Mythology she apparently reveres it. The tales of Greek Mythology concerning women are filled with retribution, viciousness, cruelty, and death. Rose teaches the class with a focus on feminism although it goes against the school’s purpose. The teachers at the school are either called Madam or Sir; everyone is expected to buy into the customary, old fashioned manner of the school. Rose was chosen for the position by the headmaster because he thought she would be easily indoctrinated into the school’s archaic belief system and would be easy to control. The students at Caldonbrae are rude, cliquish, cruel and disrespectful; they hint at the mysterious circumstances of the former teacher’s exit. Rose either does not want to follow the school’s traditional rules (simple ones) or she is not very smart and keeps forgetting them. Rose also likes to ask questions which is discouraged. Rose was too young and immature for the position.
The genre of this book is women’s fiction, gothic, suspense, and dystopian fiction.

Madam was described as a modern gothic tale set in an old girls school. The only part that seems gothic is the setting. The plot was more of a social statement of gender roles and those who hold onto those of the past.

Rose being the first new teacher to be hired at the all girls school nicknamed Hope by it’s staff and students instantly knows there is something not quite right. The way the girls are treated by the staff and vice versa does not make sense. Sadly, it takes Rose a pretty long time to figure out what is really going on here. I think it takes the reader a lot less time. The rest of the book is Rose deciding what she will do about it.

I enjoyed the interweaving of mythology and the stories of women in the past. The connections between how women were treated in ancient Greek stories and history and the way they are treated now were haunting. Yes, the book is set in the 90s, but those who remember it may remember the feminism backlash of the times (similar to what we have seen in the last few years). The book points out the cycles in womens’ rights. I don’t think I realized how many of the stories I read and heard as a child revolved around the sexual assault of women and that is a whole nother level of distrubing.

I was less attached to the characters. Rose made really bad decisions pretty constanly. Every adult had the opportunity to help the students and failed. Every student seemed far to easily to accept that what they were experiencing was actually good. And they were too quick to mistreat each other. Some showed a bit of growth, but the trajectory was awkward in the telling.

Read it for the social commentary, not for the gothic feel. I didn’t feel it.

Caldonbrae Hall, or “Hope” to insiders, is a prestigious English boarding school on the craggy shores of Scotland for fine young women of prominent families. Rose Christie can’t believe her good fortune when she is hired to teach the Classics at the elite school. But Rose soon realizes that something sinister is going on inside these ancient halls. This book is DISTURBING, with an increasing sense of dread and horror as you read further along. Sure, this book has some plot holes, and I could list a few potential weaknesses but I didn’t care because this book is BONKERS and UNPUTDOWNABLE.
I was getting Handmaid’s vibes with brushes of Bronte and Austen. It’s EVIL and DARK but a true guilty pleasure.

I enjoyed the audio narration but it took awhile to figure out and identify each of the characters who were initially difficult to separate.

Thank You to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me this creepy AF gothic debut inspired audio.