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

Good summer read

I listened to The Chaperone after downloading a free chapter, and was pleased that I did. It was an enjoyable book which faced several of the issues we all confront in life with realism and grace. The characters were believable. Ms. McGovern was a little clumsy with the characters in the beginning, but grew into their vocal nuances eventually. I did feel it went on just a bit too long; it wasn't necessary to tie up all the loose ends, but the author did anyway.

The Chaperone is an eyeopener

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

Historic True Fiction

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

When I realized the main characters were real people! The book is not just a well told story but about people who lived. While the summer in New York is pivotal, it is what happens in Cora's life afterwards that is interesting.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Cora realizes that the person she had been in Louise's eyes that summer was truer than she had thought at the time. As she realizes this, she accepts the way her own attitudes and beliefs are evolving.

Any additional comments?

I went into it thinking it was a piece of historic fiction. Later, I realized that there must have been a lot of research into the book. The difference is that the story in fiction can be shaped. In this case, the outcome would not change, but the process of Cora's insights and the choices she made was presented through the storytelling. It is also an interesting story in that Cora lived two lives, the one in her home and the one outside her home.

Pleasantly surprised!

I got this book based on the reviews and the lack of any other books that appealed . Normally the 1920s don’t intrigue me that much but I took a leap of faith and now recommend it to everyone. So much more to the book than the summary captures and it kept me interested the entire way through. Many layers to the book and easy, interesting story line.

Awesome story.

I loved this book. When fiction is plausible it is the best. I felt like all the scenarios in this book could actually have taken place. We have come a long way as a society, but we still have a long way to go. The narration was beyond excellent as well.

Excellent read

What did you love best about The Chaperone?

I love meaningful stories with strong female characters which end well.
I loved every minute of it.

Good, not great

Would you listen to The Chaperone again? Why?

I enjoyed this fictionalized account of Louise Brooks and her chaperone. Elizabeth McGovern was a fantastic reader. The story itself is interesting but a little didactic. I found the ideas about women's rights and freedoms interesting but a little heavy handed. And yet I kept listening because I genuinely liked both Cora and Louise and wanted to find out what happened to them. And yet, the resolution was a little too tidy for my taste.

interesting historical fiction, great characters

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

yes, it has a lot of history that seems to be presented honestly. And I like the narration. The actual story was interesting, too. The characters were believable.

What did you like best about this story?

The honesty and the reader.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

Elizabeth McGovern has a very pleasant voice. Her pace and voices were good. I did not really like the accent of the main character, but it was not enough to ruin the story. All the other voices were great. And it was easy to tell them apart. I hope she does more books for Audible.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Two women seeking their dreams.

Any additional comments?

This was a somewhat light book. But there were really deep themes going on. I think they were handled with care and honesty. I could hardly stop listening.

Beautifully done

Elizabeth McGovern is a wonderful narrator and this is such a beautiful story. I could listen to it over and over again.

Wonderful way to learn abou the history of America

What did you love best about The Chaperone?

The reader was wonderful!! And the story so sweet. I love happy endings.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the part where the main character finally frees herself from her lifestyle, but continues to love the people around her.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book a bit ago, but I do remember feeling good at the end and during the story. I love a story that you are so addicted to that YOU MUST LISTEN. This is one of those books. Sweet, but not syrupy.

Beautifully written and beautifully performed!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Chaperone to be better than the print version?

I think Elizabeth McGovern's voice adds that certain touch that really makes me feel like I am in the setting. She is a delight to listen to and I will seek out any further books she narrates.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I probably would say Cora, since it is her story we are most concerned with.

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

No, but I am going to look for more.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I don't want to give anything away but when Cora gets her turn to be loved is my favorite part.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this one folks, it's a gem!