The Europeans

By: Henry James

Narrated by: Eleanor Bron

Eugenia, an American expatriate brought up in Europe, arrives in rural New England with her charming brother Felix, hoping to find a wealthy second husband after the collapse of her marriage to a German prince.

Their exotic, sophisticated airs cause quite a stir with their affluent, God-fearing American cousins, the Wentworth's - and provoke the disapproval of their uncle, suspicious of foreign influences. To Gertrude Wentworth, struggling against her somber puritan upbringing, the arrival of the handsome Felix is especially enchanting.

©2009 Henry James (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

The Golddiggers of 1863

On the verge of having her marriage annulled and title removed, a Countess and her hedonistic brother visit their restrained, principled, Bostonian cousins with an aim at manipulating their way into their lives... and riches.
Terrific.

wonderful novel, wonderful reader, poor recording

I'd probably be happy listening to Eleanor Bron read the dictionary aloud, so a chance to hear her read Henry James is a real treat. Sadly, however, the volume on this recording is very uneven. It varies so much and changes so often I have to keep a thumb on the volume control of my device. Very disappointing and distracting.

Bit of a dull chew

Henry James has some good works and some not so good works. This one about some Europeans who come to America blunder about fall in love and then leave is mildly entertaining, but mostly dull and unmemorable. The reader who reads in a monotone with little expression, doesn’t help much. Overall, doesn’t suck but not great either.

Lovely but boring

The performed partially redeemed a very weak plot. The characters were less than interesting and by the end you wish they would all just disappear. The book lead June likes something big going to happen but it never does.

Agile and modulated

What did you like best about this story?

The subtle tone and speech of Henry James.

Which character – as performed by Eleanor Bron – was your favorite?

Eugene

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I have not listen to all in one sitting.