• Madame Bovary: A Signature Performance by Leelee Sobieski

  • By: Gustave Flaubert
  • Narrated by: Leelee Sobieski
  • Length: 12 hrs and 32 mins
  • 3.7 out of 5 stars (242 ratings)

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Madame Bovary: A Signature Performance by Leelee Sobieski

By: Gustave Flaubert
Narrated by: Leelee Sobieski
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Editorial reviews

Popular actress Leelee Sobieski’s performs Gustave Flaubert’s classic Madame Bovary, articulating the masterful author’s mots justes while bringing a sultry and sumptuous touch to the story of mad passion. The novel, now a classic, was controversial when it was released in 1856, taking a turn away from the popular romantic works of its time to describe adultery in a more realistic light. The story concerns Emma Bovary and her yearning for more than the married life can offer, which, while resulting in tragedy and hardship, is not judged morally. Fans of this instrumental work of realism and first-time listeners alike will relish the ups and downs of this contemporary reading.

Publisher's summary

One hundred and fifty years ago, Gustave Flaubert set the bar for scandal, adultery, and financial catastrophe with Madame Bovary. Now, Audible Signature Classics presents two-time Golden Globe Award nominee Leelee Sobieski (Joan of Arc) in a singular new performance that highlights the ambiguity behind a brilliantly crafted character: was Emma Bovary depraved or just a victim of circumstance?

This is the story of a beautiful woman who marries a devoted, provincial doctor, but believes she was meant for something more—a life of luxury, leisure, and, above all, true and passionate love. She throws herself headlong into a reckless series of doomed affairs, with tragic consequences, and plunges her family into financial ruin.

Sobieski’s Emma is sultry but vulnerable, offering a sympathetic rendering of the feckless madame and her plight in this cautionary tale of love, passion, and desperation. Will you condemn the madame?

Listen to more one-of-a-kind performances from actors Elijah Wood, Kenneth Branagh, David Hyde Pierce, and more, only from Audible Signature Classics.

Public Domain (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

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What listeners say about Madame Bovary: A Signature Performance by Leelee Sobieski

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Beautiful writing, awful narration by LeeLee

The pacing speeds and slows annoyingly, many many misread words which was another annoyance. Did the producer not listen to this and notice all the mistakes? The writing is beautiful but the narrator did this book a huge disservice. Edit comment - I highly recommend switching to the Dan Stevens narrated version. Completely changed my enjoyment of this book.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • SL
  • 03-24-24

Did not care for narrator.

I got two hours in and decided I couldn't listen to the narrator anymore. I found a different version with an English narrator who has far more emotioal range and a better grasp on pronunciation from the time period.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars

narration almost unbearable

I enjoy audiobooks when exercising, long drives, mundane housework, etc. The narration to this book was absolutely awful. Her voice was like nails on a chalkboard at times--especially during dramatic parts of the book. What a shame to have such poor narration to such a great novel.

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9 people found this helpful