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Sylvester
Georgette Heyer
- Abridged
Narrator: Richard Armitage
Length: 4 hours and 51 min.
£6.89
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£3.99
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When Sylvester, the Duke of Salford, first meets Phoebe Marlow, he finds her dull and insipid. She finds him insufferably arrogant. But when a series of unforeseen events leads them to be stranded together in a lonely country inn, they are both forced to reassess their hastily formed opinions, and begin a new-found liking and respect for each other.
Sylvester calls to mind the satirical genius of a Jane Austen novel and is adored for its wit and a fast-paced plot, which ranges across a myriad of settings.
©2009 Naxos Audiobooks; (P)2009 Naxos Audiobooks
Critics Reviews
"Although this is an abridged version of Heyer's work, British actor Richard Armitage makes this exceptionally fun to listen to....Armitage's reading is warm, lively, simply brilliant. He easily voices all characters and regional and class differences with ease and captures the underlying tension and growing romantic interest between Phoebe and Sylvester. The period classical music between chapters adds wonderful, appropriate atmosphere." (Soundcommentary.com)
Customer Reviews
Most Recent Reviews
A Dream Come True
11/08/2010
I have been a lover of Georgette Heyer's books for very many years. I am also a fan of Richard Armitage and have listened with enjoyment to his previous audio work of the Robin Hood stories and his absolutely amazing rendition of The Lords of the North.
So to have my favourite actor reading my favourite author is a dream come true. The pairing of Georgette Heyer's prose and Mr. Armitage's dark velvet voice is a marriage made in heaven.
This audio book is sheer listening enjoyment from beginning to end. There is a wide range of characters all lifted from the page and given their own distinctive voice. Mr. Armitage doesn't just read the book, he acts it. Listening to him read, has enriched and added to my enjoyment of the book.
I have rated this 5 star because as an audio book, I feel it is merited. However, the abridgement itself disappoints. So much warmth and humour is missing and also several important scenes which help us to understand the on/off relationship between Sylvester and Phoebe.
I encourage anyone who hasn't read the book to do so and fill in the gaps. It will add to your enjoyment of the audio book.
Garunteed to give you the vapours.
23/04/2010
I cut my reading teeth on Georgette Heyer when I was a teenager. So, this rendition of Sylvester was a real find.
Nineteen year old Phoebe is a bit of (what Regency marms would call) a hoyden. She is unladylike, prefers riding to embroidery and she writes novels in secret. Phoebe's first encounter with arrogant Sylvester does not go well. When Sylvester turns up at Phoebe's home to offer for her hand, Phoebe makes her getaway. Adventures ensue.
Sylvester is read gamely by Richard Armitage which is a double bonus. He takes on the voices of various dowagers, maids, squires and squires sons with admirable competence. As for the sultry voice of Sylvester, I dare any lady not to wilt. I have not been able to find any other audiobook read by this versatile actor which is what makes Sylvester such a gem.
I recommend you give it a go and remember your smelling salts!
