The Birthmark Audiobook By Nathaniel Hawthorne cover art

The Birthmark

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The Birthmark

By: Nathaniel Hawthorne
Narrated by: Walter Covell
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Hawthorne approached the Romantic notion of the ability of science to destroy art (or beauty) in the form of fictive "horror stories" of biological research out of control. This story is the best of that group. A devoted scientist marries a beautiful woman with a single physical flaw: a birthmark on her face. Aylmer becomes obsessed with the imperfection and his attempts to remove it via his scientific skills, thus rendering his bride perfect.©1984 Jimcin Recordings (P)1984 Jimcin Recordings Classics

Editorial reviews

Nathaniel Hawthorne, best known for The Scarlet Letter, tells another obsessive tale of female purity and perfection in "The Birthmark".

In this short story, a scientist named Aylmer marries a beautiful woman, Georgiana. Once they settle into their life together, Aylmer becomes fixated on the small red blemish on Georgiana’s cheek. His obsession haunts his dreams and leads him to find a way to remove the birthmark in his laboratory.

Walter Covell’s rich voice and subtle characterizations are pitch-perfect for Hawthorne’s account of one man’s perilous quest for beauty.
All stars
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This story is a classic. Hawthorne does an excellent job at showing Georgiana through the lens of the infamous “male gaze;” and considering this story predates the term, it proves him to be a bit of a pioneer in his obvious critique of the view in the way the story unfolds. It seems clear, by the end, that Hawthorne did not agree with the protagonist in his obsession with the one imperfection. This short story further points to the way the pursuit of perfection has ruined many a relationship, between lovers, friends, and family members alike.

Great writing.
Cringeworthy circumstance within the story from my female perspective.
Positive takeaway.
Great performance.

The “male gaze”

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The language, the subject and the presentation all combined to create a flusher! none of the characters were the slight bit endearing or even entertaining.

Bland uninspired

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