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 Lovely Escape

What did you love best about The Chaperone?

I was so surprised to find that I was more interested in Cora's story as the book opened and was delighted to find my wish granted. It took skill to take the spotlight away from someone so famously beautiful and interesting as Louise Brooks (although we still get plenty of her, as well).

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Chaperone?

The relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Carlisle was done so well. I love their pragmatism.

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth McGovern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never listened to her read, but was enchanted. I can't imagine the book without her, and would be pleased to find her reading something I chose again.

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

Louise herself, as the reason for my initial interest in the book, because she remains so interesting.

Any additional comments?

I demand a great deal of escapist fiction and this was perfectly satisfying. Unusual story, intelligent, over too soon.

Excellent Story!

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

Yes! You need to be interested in the era and appreciate that while the story revolves around Louise Brooks' life, she is not the main character facing problems in the story.

What other book might you compare The Chaperone to and why?

Not sure of comparisons, but I love this time period and reading about old film stars, so that was why I was interested.

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't want to give it away.

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

This is a fitting title!

Interesting twists and turns

What did you like best about this story?

Nice reflection on life of women in the early 1900's. Hard to imagine it wasn't that long ago. Very interesting twist and turns, folks dealing with very taboo topics for the day.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

Good performance.

What a great listen!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Cora and Joseph were my favorite characters. I loved getting to know Cora and getting to listen to her grow as a person throughout the whole story. Joseph was wonderful because of how openand accepting he was.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

It took me about an hour to get used to the narrators voice, but then after that, I really loved listening to her. I also really loved how the different characters had different accents.

Who was the most memorable character of The Chaperone and why?

Louise is by far the most memorable character. She is so different than any of the other characters in the story. She is also a continuous theme throughout the whole story.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful read! I would highly reccomend this!

really wanted to love it

Historical fiction is something I truly enjoy and I really wanted to love this book the way others have. Personally, I never grew to like the main character Cora much, though she wasn't as frustrating in the final chapters.

I also didn't care much for Louise, her young charge. At the moment I believe it was meant for the reader to finally understand Louise & see her differently, I only felt pity.

The story is interesting, though felt a bit thin. The writing is enjoyable but I just wasn't carried away to New York City in the 20's as I had hoped.

Ms. McGovern was a pleasure to listen to.

Good story

Loved the book...there were a few surprises along the way. Elizabeth was a perfect choice as narrator and a large part of the reason I decided to go with Audible rather than checking the book out from the library.

A book for women of all ages

One of the best books I’ve ever read. It makes you look at people around you with a whole new perspective.

Experiences that Built a Meaningful Life

This story kept my attention through each turn in Cora's life. Excellent narration! I even liked the ending pace. It felt like a true story.

WOW so much better than I expected

If you could sum up The Chaperone in three words, what would they be?

Easy read and very interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

The historical era and the older vs. younger views. Go from prohibition to moon landing.

Have you listened to any of Elizabeth McGovern’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not sure. She did a great job.

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

Cora, of course.

Any additional comments?

I thought this book was going to be about just a young girl and her chaperone but, it was so much more. Louise Brooks has always been an interesting figure. Cora is so staright laced and Louise is a total free spirit. Their conflicts were interesting and well written. There is prohibition, adoption, long skirts vs short skirts...to show your ankle or not. Birth control information but, only if you were married. Going to jail if you lived "in sin".

A throughly enjoyable book hated to see it end.

Fluid writing, satisfying story

This book immediately sweeps you back in time to an era of emerging freedoms and stubborn resistance. The main character, Cora, evolves at her own pace, which sometimes lags behind and sometimes eclipses that of the world around her. The surprising twists and resolutions make this a book about growth, tolerance, and the meaning of a full life. I enjoyed it tremendously but would have preferred an ending that was not so tidy and complete. Overall, a great listen.