The Good Soldier

Penguin Classics

By: Ford Madox Ford, David Bradshaw - introduction

Narrated by: David Shaw-Parker, Billy Howle

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Billy Howle, known for his roles in Dunkirk, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and On Chesil Beach. This definitive recording includes an introduction by David Bradshaw.

The Dowells, a wealthy American couple, have been close friends with the Ashburnhams for years. Edward Ashburnham, a first-rate soldier, seems to be the perfect English gentleman, and Leonora his perfect wife, but beneath the surface their marriage seethes with unhappiness and deception. Our only window on the strange tangle of events surrounding Edward is provided by John Dowell, the husband he deceives. Gradually Dowell unfolds a devastating story, in which everyone's honesty is in doubt. This extraordinary novel of passion and betrayal is a masterpiece of narrative skill and emotional depth.

Wonderful Intro Read at the End

So glad they included the introduction and that they decided to provide it at the end of the recording so that the story was not spoiled. I enjoyed it!

Humorous Take on Conceptually Tragic Circumstance

Being that this novel is as old as it is - more then 100 years now - Maddox Ford’s comedic approach to tragedy, that being adultery and violent suicide, is somewhat remarkable… A good read/listen. Well worth your time. Note that the introduction is placed at the conclusion of the recording, a great choice in my opinion; listening to the remarks of a Maddox Ford academician after finishing the novel itself offered usual information and criteria that helped me better form my opinions about not only the work but the writer himself.

Worst book in recent memory

Could have been said in 1/3 the space. No wonder Hemingway could not stand Ford Madox Ford. I forced myself to listen to 25% of it and then shut it off.