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The Age of Innocence
- Narrated by: David Horovitch
- Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins
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The Age of Innocence
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Summary
Exclusively from Audible
Countess Ellen Olenska, separated from her European husband, returns to old New York society. She bears with her an independence and an awareness of life which stirs the educated sensitivity of the charming Newland Archer, engaged to be married to her cousin, May Welland. Though he accepts the society's standards and rules he is acutely aware of their limitations. He knows May will assure him a conventional future but Ellen, scandalously separated from her husband, forces Archer to question his values and beliefs. With their love intensifying where does Archer's ultimate loyalty lie?
Wharton's audiobook is a love story that accurately portrays upper-class New York society in the late 19th century due to her insider's view of America's privileged classes. Having grown up in upper-class society, Wharton ended up becoming one of its most shrewd critics. Her depiction of the snobbery and hypocrisy of the wealthy elite, combined with her subtle use of dramatic irony, propelled The Age of Innocence to the position of an instant classic, winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1921 and making Wharton the first woman to win the prize.
Narrator Biography
Having studied at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, David Horovitch has had a television career spanning over 40 years. One of his most notable roles was in 1984 as Detective Inspector Slack in the first BBC Miss Marple adaptation The Body in the Library. Due to the success of his character, he returned for four Christmas specials. He has had roles in other shows such as Just William (1994), Foyle's War (2002) and Wire in the Blood (2005) as well as film appearances in The Young Victoria (2009), 102 Dalmatians (2000) The Infiltrator (2016) and Mike Leigh's Mr Turner (2014). A long time star of the stage, in 2015 he played the role of George Frideric Handel in All the Angels by Nick Drake at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. As well as narrating numerous audiobooks, David Horovitch also appeared in Audible's multicast drama The Oedipus Plays.
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What listeners say about The Age of Innocence
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Ruth
- 05-07-10
A book I won't forget
This incredibly moving, yet at the same time gentle, tale of thwarted love is beautifully written and very well narrated. The story itself is subtly powerful, and the characters' emotions are conveyed in the writing with a quiet force which I found extremely effective. The language is strikingly poetic, containing beautiful images and metaphors which I found a delight to listen to. The narrator reads with calmness but with real feeling, and I became totally absorbed in it every time I listened. Maybe I'm just susceptible to the charms of this particular book, but I honestly was bowled over by it, and would really recommend anyone to give it a try.
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22 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- j hellings
- 24-07-20
a real page turner.
good to have an English narrator who can also do good American accents. very clear and engaging
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Karen
- 20-01-22
Gorgeous!
The most wonderful novel and beautifully narrated.
David Horovitch has a voice that exactly conveys the rich mannered exactness of the prose.
I’ll be listening to this again!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lawton
- 27-08-23
Recommended
Beautifully narrated, a sensitive recounting of Wharton’s quietly powerful classic novel of repressed passion during the gilded age.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- julie
- 22-07-23
Exquisite writing
It’s a long time since I have listened to such a delightful masterpiece of ,nuanced observation of both the external cultural norms of a given time and place with the depth of inner emotion and it’s consequences within such a social setting.
I am changed by this and yet not, a bit of an echo of the ending. Edith Wharton has such depth of understanding observation and subtlety and the capacity to illustrate the landscapes against which and within which the encounters take place.
David Horovitch is the perfect reader for this work of genius and brings his great gifts to his role.
Julie Anne
Anglesey
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- Eilish Dunworth
- 11-07-16
What a Classic!
At the start I wondered if there was enough of a story to hold me . It's a book where nothing happens but everything is happening. The character depiction is excellent. I'm now watching the movie and loving that too.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Barbara Murray
- 17-02-17
I really enjoyed this!
I didn't really know what to expect but I absolutely loved this story and enjoyed the narration immensely. I thought the story was superbly woven and I liked the characters. very very enjoyable
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- @eleniaudibles
- 09-09-18
A Fab Read!
Horovitch is a perfect narrator from this novel, he flips between an English and New York accent very well and he handles female characters particularly well! Honestly, the novel is short anyway but it also flies by!
As for the plot; it's wonderful, and you really feel for the characters and their situations. It's a really poignant portrayal of human relationships and sufferings! It's well worth a read (or listen) and I know I'll be listening to it again in the future! I lovely addition to your library!
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1 person found this helpful
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- emily brand
- 26-12-21
Best audiobook I’ve listened to yet
Amazing Pulitzer Prize winning novel - so understated and beautifully written. Perfect narration - best voice. Highly recommend.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amanda R
- 10-07-20
Need to turn the volume up.
This is my favourite novel to read, and I have thoroughly enjoyed this audible. My only complaint is that the reader really struggled with some of Whartons long sentences. He ran out of breath, and as such the story telling became very quiet and difficult to hear. It suits Whartons contemplative narrative, but at times it meant you missed the 'important bit', and had to rewind. I still loved it though. And the voices of the characters were perfect. I still highly recommend this book and this audible.
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