Colonel Chabert

By: Honoré de Balzac

Narrated by: Bill Homewood

In the brutal Prussian winter of 1807, Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte’s Grande Armée suffered massive losses to the Russians in the Battle of Eylau. Many thousands died. Young Colonel Chabert falls heroically, his actions having turned the tide of the battle, but he is buried anonymously on the battlefield in a mass grave. Incredibly, he is alive, but severely injured, and digs himself out. On his eventual return to Paris, he finds his wife, the beautiful and ambitious Rosine, now remarried, and his fortune gone. Chabert’s relentless, passionate pursuit of justice, supported by the determined young lawyer Derville, is gripping to the last word. This exquisitely written story has it all: love, hatred, treachery, hope, and courage.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2021 Naxos AudioBooks UK Ltd.

Thought provoking tale by Balzac

See Audible’s summary for a good outline (without spoilers) of the story. Bill Homewood’s reading, as always, is first class.

A French Classic

Heartbreaking, a bit cynical, sharply observed. I liked Balzac's descriptions and the story was interesting and unpredictable.
Audible was a good way to "read" this book.