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The Scarlet Pimpernel

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The Scarlet Pimpernel

By: Baroness Orczy
Narrated by: Ralph Cosham
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About this listen

 "Who is this man, this Scarlet Pimpernel?" Each day this question grew more pressing to the leaders of the French Revolution. Only this man and his band of followers threatened their total power. Only this maddeningly elusive figure defied the vast network of fanatics, informers, and secret agents that the Revolution spread out to catch its enemies.

Some said this man of many disguises, endless ruses, and infinite daring was an exiled French nobleman, returned to wreak vengeance. Others said he was an English lord, seeking sheer adventure and supreme sport in playing the most dangerous game of all. But of only one thing could those who sought him be sure. They knew all too well the symbol of his presence: the blood-red flower known as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

(P)2005 Blackstone Audio Inc. Classics Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Romance Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction French Revolution

Critic Reviews

"A swashbuckling adventure tale of epic proportions...an exciting, fast-paced story." (Large Print Reviews)
"Arguably the best adventure story ever published, and certainly the most influential that appeared during the early decades of the 20th century." (Gary Hoppenstand)
All stars
Most relevant  
One of the first "Hero with a secret identity" stories. Wildly improbable, but a very fun story if you can suspend your disbelief enough. Impeccably read. Bravo all.

Cheesy but so enjoyable!

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Most will likely know early on what will transpire but it is still enjoyable and the narration keeps you entertained the whole way through.

Just good fun

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I read this year's ago and really enjoyed it and I loved hearing it again. It is a fabulous story and so very well written. A real pleasure.

Loved It!

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A classic that really delivers! Wonderfully narrated and while some of its mystery will be lost for the contemporary reader, there are still enough twists and turns to ensure timeless suspense.

A terrific romp

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The narrator is well chosen for this classic swashbuckling adventure story. Very easy to listen to

Good narrator

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I love this novel but found the characterisation of the narrator lacking ... Percy was most disappointing

A Favourite but disappointing narration

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The performance was very good. I enjoyed the representation of all characters. The story was entertaining but perhaps less adventurous than expected (as I had only watched films of the story). Good fun. I imagine in 1905 it would have been fabulous, especially on stage.

An enjoyable reading

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This story was interesting enough to get me to sleep and interesting enough to engage me and then send me back to sleep each time I woke up through the night. Just what I wanted.

Ralph Cosham’s excellent narration

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This has been on my “must read” list for some time. Now I have read it, I must say I’m underwhelmed. I can’t quite work out if the author didn’t think much of her readers’ intellect, or if it is a book “of it’s time” and was therefore momentarily ingenious! I felt like I was at the Pantomime and wanted to scream “he’s behind you!” For the “smartest woman in Europe”, I didn’t think much of her smarts.

Having said all of that, I am glad I read it and got it out of the way. I’d also like to point out that the narration was spot-on and made the overall experience much easier. One last thing, thank you Audible for popping this one in the “freebies” pile. It’s much more palatable to know you have not had to pay for a “naff” read.

Were we meant to be “astonished”?

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