The Bostonians Audiobook By Henry James cover art

The Bostonians

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The Bostonians

By: Henry James
Narrated by: Elisabeth Rodgers
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From Boston's social underworld emerges Verena Tarrant, a girl with extraordinary oratorical gifts, which she deploys in tawdry meeting-houses on behalf of "the sisterhood of women". She acquires two admirers of a very different stamp: Olive Chancellor, devotee of radical causes, and marked out for tragedy; and Basil Ransom, veteran of the Civil War, with rigid views concerning society and women's place therein. Is the lovely, lighthearted Verena made for public movements or private passions? A struggle to possess her, body and soul, develops between Olive and Basil.

The exploitation of Verena's unregenerate innocence reflects a society whose moral and cultural values are failing to survive the new dawn of liberalism and democracy. The Bostonians (1886) was not welcomed by James's fellow countrymen, who failed to appreciate its delicacy and wit; but a century later, this book is widely regarded as James's finest American fiction, and perhaps his comic masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2011 Audible, Inc. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Comedy

Editorial reviews

Narrator Elisabeth Rodgers clearly has a deep understanding of Henry James' comic sensibilities as well as the motivations and desires of his characters. Basil Ransom, a prototypical Southern gentleman, is captivated by Verena Tarrant, a working-class feminist whose youth belies her extraordinary oratorical gifts. His cousin Olive, a supporter of radical causes, is also one of Verena's admirers, and a struggle to claim Verena ensues between the two cousins. Rodgers provides each character with individual voices, from Basil's laidback tones of privilege to Olive's subtly tense diction and to Verena's ringing, impassioned speech. Rodgers' lovely performance is a true pleasure, and James fans will discover new depths and insights with it.

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The story was interesting and nothing like what I expected. The narrator did an excellent job with the female characters, but the Southern accent of Mr. Ransom seemed less authentic. An excellent historic novel.

An unexpected perspective of the Suffragette Movement

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Very clear and interesting, the way the narrator switches voices is really exciting, clever, and intriguing. I recommend Elisabeth Rodgers for this audiobook.

Interesting

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outstanding Jamesian narrative, very well read. began slowly and the pace built to the bitter sweet climax. the female characters each and variously gained and lost.

insightful and intricate portrayal of women from multiple perspectives in history of womens suffrage movement

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