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Felix Holt, The Radical
- Narrated by: Nadia May
- Length: 17 hrs and 50 mins
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Felix Holt, The Radical
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Summary
Contrasted with Felix Holt is the intelligent, economically secure Harold Transome, just returned from the East to assume responsibility for Transome Court, his inherited manor home, and to take a seat in Parliament.
Both men vie for the hand of Esther, a young woman of charm and virtue, who must choose between a life of idealism and a life of refinement.
The narrative is enhanced by plot twists involving illegitimacy and lines of inheritances, as well as by Eliot's vivid character studies, including the corrupt political agent Johnson; Harold Transome's mother, with her fears of a secret being revealed; and the loyal servant Denner.
Critic reviews
What listeners say about Felix Holt, The Radical
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mel Graham
- 22-04-22
A captivating, story with historical interest
A thought provoking story with lots of philosophy and high ideals. Also a great snapshot of local life in England at the time.
I really enjoyed the pace with which the action and the mysteries in the novel unfolded. It kept me interested until the very end.
Although I found the voice of the narrator slightly dry, I cannot fault the style and the quality of the narration which was really exceptional for such a long book. She successfully brought all the characters to life.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mrs M.
- 29-11-22
Admiration
Brilliant writing that time does not diminish - complemented by a very talented reader to make a really enjoyable literary treat.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Viz
- 22-01-24
Radical is as Radical Does!
Dickens, Trollope and here, George Eliot, along with all history, records how society gets itself into a state of unrest which gets out of control. One group thinks they have the right over another group - the basis of oppression and war, in fact.
Always have done, always will do, till the 'end cometh'!
I so love George Eliot's writings centred in England, did not appreciate the Italianate 'Romola'.
I think one of the reasons is the way she could put over a dispassionate view of her own sex. She was no unscriptural Feminist, in my opinion, but naturally lived to her optimum, without the 'down with men' attitude - no bias, just objective summing up of some of the unlovely traits of some women who would normally be the heroine: "Her women's love of conquest"
The first lone dialogue between Felix and Esther was quite wonderful especially Felix's opinion of women: "All life is stunted to suit their littleness" That is the kind of concise profundity that I have often tried to express when I speak of the Matriarchy. [I'm being objective here, I know how dissatisfied I have been with my own female carryings on, down the years!]
Such a wonderful writer, was George Eliot, others of that era, often devolved into some 'Sensationlist' writing, but Ms Eliot was always wonderful.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 30-03-20
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel
Felix Holt is a very enjoyable novel, bringing insights into 19th century elections, the non-conformist versus established church and small town life. The latter two being very popular subjects with George Eliot. This is not her finest or most gripping novel, but she writes so well, that it's still a joy, especially to listen to. Nadia May's reading is excellent and I will look out for other books narrated by her.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- charlie
- 24-08-23
Brilliant
I loved this! Story is wonderful: such intricate plotting, so lightly conveyed; great narrator; fascinating historical context. Brilliantly read and very enjoyable to listen to.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Valerie Kennett
- 15-11-21
Limit your expectations.
Well I still enjoyed this book, because George Eliot is such a wonderfully informative writer.
But the political talk was a bit long winded, & so was Felix mother. And although the narrator was generally good, Mrs Holt wasn’t so easy on the ear.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Tarnya
- 24-09-23
Subtle and powerful story of a female heroine
Little know among her work, this is a great story by one of the 19th century best novelists which stays with you and builds in intensity. It’s a long book, but it’s a hymn to female self discovery at a time women were ‘property’, so it’s worth it.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 27-05-23
Poor narration
Fascinating insight into the political changes in Britain at the time of the Reform act. Wince-making female characters who deem men to be superior. Written in the 1860s so in line with those times. Glad to be alive now not then. The narrator wasn’t great and just seemed to read vast tranches with no proper understanding of the meanings contained therein.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Tone
- 19-06-22
Difficult to follow. Narration didn't help
The beginning of this book is hard to follow because the author has not set the story up adequately.
Furthermore the early chapters are dreary.
Nadia May is off putting and adds to the confusion. She has a sharp whining tone which is irritating and distracting from the story.
I'm not sure I can stand it much longer.
usually there is an alternative narrative on Audible but unfortunately not for this.
I loved George Eliot but a suitable narration is essential to get into the story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Norfolk Bookworm
- 11-02-23
What a gem! Nadia May's reading was extraordinary
If you enjoy George Elliot's flowery and loquacious19th century style and her books like Middlemarch you'll love this massive tome.
Definitely one for audio as I think the length and weight would be off-putting to lug about. Also Nadia May's narration and voice variations introduce an additional layer of light and shade which enhances Elliot's exquisite words.
I even enjoyed catching the great writer out just the once when she confused infer and imply. Somehow it humanised her brilliance!
Go for if you have the stamina! And, if that isn't enough George Eliot for you, I also loved another of her little known novels Daniel Deronda.
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