The Magnificent Ambersons

By: Booth Tarkington

Narrated by: Flo Gibson

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel focuses on materialism and the fortunes of a Midwestern family in the early 20th century. Horseless carriages were just appearing on the scene, the strata of society was in a constant state of flux, and the inherent values of the Amberson family were fast becoming a thing of the past.

Public Domain (P)1993 Audio Book Contractors, LLC

Good but Dated

The writing in this novel was excellent, but I found the story quite dated. Written in 1919 about late 1800's America, the story follows the decline of a rich and powerful family with an arrogant pampered young boy as an idyllic small town becomes a dirty factory city. I found the novel lacked the deep emotional power needed to make such a story compelling. I imagine in 1919 this may have been a groundbreaking examination of a changing country and the precariousness of wealth and power. I don't think I ever laughed out loud, and certainly never got close to tearing up, and finished the book without being impressed. I am happy to have read it, but wouldn't highly recommend it.