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

A good listen

Enjoyed this book. Narrator was excellent. Could of been more depth for a couple of the characters. Worth listening to.

Daisy

Absolutely loved this story

What a great listen narrated by Elizabeth McGovern. Her soft spoken voice made the story come alive. I have never seen the movie but I am definitely going to now!

Beautiful story all the way around

The story is great but Elizabeth McGovern was PERFECT. This is a must read especially for women.

Beautifully written, eloquently narrated

Elizabeth McGovern's performance was wonderful. I had no idea what this story was about other than a brief description of the time period and how the main character was a chaperone to a young aspiring star while they stayed in New York City. The twists and turns kept me listening intently. The flow of the storyline was seamless. It was an absolutely beautiful book!

Truly Excellent

Truly among the very best audiobooks ever. I love this book so much. In my opinion, it is spot at the intersection of actual literature and consumable fiction. The superb narration by Elizabeth McGovern manages to make it even better. I have a few minutes left and I am savoring each one, already sad to have finished it.

Great Book!

I loved this book. It is a great story.
Elizabeth Mcgovern is one of my a favorite narrators.

very feminine; recommend

What a great performance from Elizabeth McGovern! I loved how this story offered glimpses of early twentieth century America. I was imagining the lives of my grandmothers, both born in 1903, one very staid, the other a New York flapper.

Though jolted by the drastic change of pace towards the end, I have to say I'm glad the author let us in on the lifelong fates of the characters. It's a great story and an easy listen.

The Chaperone - a tale of the truth about honesty.

This book had my attention throughout, with its twists and turns in plot, and its steadfast, thoughtful main character, Cora. Cora is a woman who one 'trusts' from the first pages. She is honest to the core, and as we watch her unusual life unfold . . . we learn that the Truth is not the only Road to Honesty. I found it a different and refreshing waltz through the period in which the story takes place.

I enjoyed Elizabeth McGovern's narration very much, although her accent was very difficult to 'place' at times. Oddly enough, I often catch myself thinking the same thing, as I listen to McGovern's character in PBS' "Downton Abbey"! She was a great choice for the voice of Cora . . . quiet and understated retraint . . . just as I'd imagine a woman like Cora would sound.

Excellent

This is an excellent book! It kept me interested from beginning to end. The narration of Elizabeth McGovern was wonderful. It was heartwarming to read about the enlightenment of one early 20th century woman, and how some of the same issues still endure. This wonderful woman, Cora Carlisle, whose life was equally unfortunate and lucky, and how she was changed by the events in her life is a tale of personal survival. Hearing all the societal prejudices and beliefs alter slowly but profoundly in her, was like seeing lights rising brighter from a slow dimmer switch. Louise Brooks and her mother were a study in how the same personality could be affected differently by life’s twists. I loved how Laura Moriarty, used actual events and people throughout the book.

I cannot say much more than the other reviewers have that also loved this book. I recommend it – not a wasted credit. I will be listening again.

Great Story

Liked the story. Good history on Wichita and Kansas. Thought Cora was a little naive given her background.