The Chaperone

By: Laura Moriarty

Narrated by: Elizabeth McGovern

Length: 13 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

The Chaperone is a captivating novel about the woman who chaperoned an irreverent Louise Brooks to New York City in 1922, and the summer that would change them both.

Only a few years before becoming a famous actress and an icon for her generation, a 15-year-old Louise Brooks leaves Wichita to make it big in New York. Much to her annoyance, she is accompanied by a thirty-six-year-old chaperone who is neither mother nor friend. Cora Carlisle is a complicated but traditional woman with her own reasons for making the trip. She has no idea what she’s in for: Young Louise, already stunningly beautiful and sporting her famous blunt bangs and black bob, is known for her arrogance and her lack of respect for convention. Ultimately, the five weeks they spend together will change their lives forever.

For Cora, New York holds the promise of discovery that might prove an answer to the question at the center of her being, and even as she does her best to watch over Louise in a strange and bustling city, she embarks on her own mission. And while what she finds isn’t what she anticipated, it liberates her in a way she could not have imagined. Over the course of the summer, Cora’s eyes are opened to the promise of the 20th century and a new understanding of the possibilities for being fully alive.

©2012 Laura Moriarty (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Slow and Steady

What did you love best about The Chaperone?

It was completely unpredictable and even shocking in some aspects.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

The narration is amazingly well done and draws you in every time you turn it on.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No it put me to sleep a few times.

Any additional comments?

The pacing of the events in the story bothered me . Three fourths of the story takes place in one summer and the last fourth rushes forward through the last thirty years of Cora's life at lightning speed. It felt like a different novel.

Wonderful book

Wonderful book. Outstanding narrator. An unexpected outstanding find and a excellent book to read/listen to!

mehh

Decent story, but it was a struggle to get through. If you make it to part 2, it picks up some.

I enjoyed it.

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth McGovern – was your favorite?

She performed them all well. She made the book even more enjoyable for me.

Their past could have controlled their lives.

For women our enemy can be our childhood dreams or expectations, most have experienced a serious hindrance or stronghold they've fought to overcome. We grow up believing in Cinderella, but our castle turned out to be the house in Hazel and Gretel and our fairy godmother the witch who cast us in the oven.
Laura Moriarty draws a picture of two women who find satisfaction and peace that sets them free to believe in themselves which brings a noticeable difference in their lives.
It may not be a Cinderella story, but some dreams can come true.

Worth a listen. . .

I was interested in this book mainly for the historical aspect of learning more about women's roles and experiences in the 1920s. And it did provide what I feel is probably a very realistic view of what life was like for women during that time while exploring the story of Cora Carlisle during her self exploration in New York City as a chaperone for the young Louise Brooks. In the beginning, I found myself slightly more intriqued in finding a book (either fiction or non-fiction/biography) about Louise Brooks herself. I kept getting annoyed with Cora--she was so judgemental and traditional and one-sided . However, as the story went on, she transformed into a different, stronger and more independent person. Her life took a variety of twists and turns with Louise Brooks always in the background as the catalyst. I also enjoyed the narration by Elizabeth McGovern, although her slightly British accent may not been quite right for this character from Kansas. Overall, this book was interesting and definitely worth a listen, but not one in my "favorites" category.

Loved it!

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

I plan to recommend this book to my friends who love books as much as I do.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that the story took me down I path I never expected. I had no idea that these things went on quietly in homes in the U.S. during this time period. I was very SURPRIZED to say the least.

Which scene was your favorite?

The most shocking scene was my favorite; when Cora learns the truth about Alan.

If you could rename The Chaperone, what would you call it?

Cora X

McGovern Narration makes this story outstanding!!!

Which character – as performed by Elizabeth McGovern – was your favorite?

Elizabeth McGovern was exceptional! Her narration was spot on -- she was perfect!!!

Any additional comments?

The story was compelling for anyone who loves fiction or, more specifically, historical fiction. Unforunately, as so often happens, the story lost steam in the last quarter. Overall, I enjoyed the book, but as an audio book junkie, I have to say that McGovern's narration was flawless!

Disappointed in the narrator!

I wish I would have bought the book to read myself. Elizabeth McGovern ruined this story for me.I felt like I was listening to Lady Grantham narrate the story. I did not care for her portrayal of the characters...especially Cora! I am from Kansas and I am not sure where her "accent" was from. My recommendation: buy the book and read it yourself.

Great Book, Great Performance

I enjoyed The Chaperone from start to finish. The interesting story line and outstanding performance put this audiobook amongst my all time favorites.