• Jeannot and Colin

  • By: Voltaire
  • Narrated by: Cathy Dobson
  • Length: 22 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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Jeannot and Colin  By  cover art

Jeannot and Colin

By: Voltaire
Narrated by: Cathy Dobson
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Publisher's summary

Voltaire was the nom de plume of François-Marie Arouet (1694-1778), a well known writer, poet, satirist and wit whose ascerbic criticism of many institutions of the day once earned him a period of imprisonment in the Bastille.

In this tale of Jeannot and Colin, Voltaire not only tells an instructive tale, warning of the dangers of sudden wealth and social climbing, but also directs his satirical comments at the vacuous and fickle nouveau riche of his day, the catholic church, private education, and society in general.

Jeannot and Colin are childhood friends. Both come from working-class backgrounds in a rural part of France, but Jeannot's parents, on a trip to Paris, strike it lucky in business and within a short time become very wealthy. They purchase a title, send fine clothes to their son, and order him to Paris. Jeannot's head is turned by the sudden elevation in his status and he lords it over the humble Colin when he leaves.

In Paris, there is a lengthy discussion as to how Jeannot should best be educated for his new role as a young marquis. After rejecting Latin, geography, astronomy, history, and various other possible subjects, they settle on teaching him to dance and hold forth as a wit at dinner parties. All seems to be going well, when one day the bailiffs arrive and repossess all the family's assets. Jeannot is about to learn some very harsh life-lessons.

Public Domain (P)2014 Red Door Audiobooks

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The Great Voltaire

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Worth 22 minutes for all youth to learn, listen and practice.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Jeannot and Colin?

....the presence of the courtier is a visit of the devil...that is Voltaire's message..

What does Cathy Dobson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Cathy is such a great narrator, but you have to really listen and not be distracted as she speedily relates this "proverb" of a life event.

If you could take any character from Jeannot and Colin out to dinner, who would it be and why?

The courtier, so that I may poison him.

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