Father Goriot

by Honore de Balzac Narrated by LibriVox Community

Overview

One of Balzac's most popular works, set around 1815 during the re-ascendancy of the Bourbon kings following the defeat of Napoleon. Said to have been an inspiration to Charles Dickens and Henry James as well as others, the novel seeks to portray the realism of scenes and people. It is also a commentary upon the changing social strata and mores of the day. (Summary by JCarson)

Editorial Reviews

FEBRUARY 2019 - AudioFile

Bill Homewood’s narration brings new life to the tragic story of Goriot, a father who lives in poverty so that his two daughters can be happy. Homewood’s deep voice and melodic cadence carry the listener through the prose. He pronounces the French names quite naturally, and his vocal characterizations faithfully render Balzac’s creations. Set in a Parisian boardinghouse, the story offers a range of characters from the young law student, who speaks quickly with youthful earnestness, to the hardened criminal, who speaks slowly with acute sarcasm. Homewood portrays Goriot sympathetically, giving him a voice that is somewhat strained and pitiful. However, he always sounds as if he is smiling when speaking of his daughters. Homewood’s profound characterization of Goriot makes this audiobook particularly memorable. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170290338
Publisher:	LibriVox
Publication date:	08/25/2014
Sales rank:	941,416

Videos