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

Acceptable Coming of Middle Age Portrait

What did you like best about The Chaperone? What did you like least?

Cora accompanies a spoiled 15 yr old who's destined for greatness to New York. Fairly predictible, but well written and narrated. As a fan of Elizabeth McGovern, I enjoyed her range in bringing the different characters' voices to life. Cora's backstory is the most interesting part of the book. The author gives a lot of detail in some sections and then tries to wrap it up spanning long periods of time glazing over particulars to give each character a proper ending. Acceptable and interesting read, just don't expect a a neatly wrapped package nor a blockbuster.

Would you recommend The Chaperone to your friends? Why or why not?

Would pass on I like it and it's an interesting period piece; didn't love it.

Was The Chaperone worth the listening time?

Yes.

Enjoyable Book

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

interesting, captivating, and enjoyable

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the storyline. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. It definately was not what I expected it to be.

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene is the scene with Cora, the main character, and the "german" in the diner.

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

You never know how your life will change.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the fact that there are a lot of historical events that are explained in the book. Considering the time frame that the book takes place, there are so many events to cover and I thought that the author did a very good job in covering some of well known and not as well known thoughts, feelings and events that occurred. I would and have recommended this book for a good read.:)

Fun Book

While I don’t think I am a member of the demographic that this book was mainly written for, I did enjoy it a great deal. Moriarty hit just about every social issue that popped up in the first half of the twentieth century, and did a nice job trying to represent both sides of the issue. She also wove an engaging story. The biggest problem I have had with it, is how to explain it to someone without giving part of the book away.

A perfect book to listen to!

The Chaperone is just wonderful! I try to be an unbiased reviewer and I can honestly say that this has been a marvelous listening experience. The book itself is touching, charming and a fascinating view of an interesting time in our history. It a story about people coming into themselves- stretching out and finding out what they can do and be. It is moving and funny by turns and the writing just flows along so beautifully that you find yourself floating on a river of words and suddenly you are near the end and don't want it to be over!

The writing is excellent, but a lot of the credit must go to Elizabeth McGovern's inspired performances. Her voice is so perfect- not only for Cora, the main character, but for all of the people and accents and situations she conveys to us. McGovern's voice has both charm and gravity- she compels you to listen. I cannot praise her performance here too highly- she really conveys the essence of the novel's emotions with every word.

The Chaperone goes right up at the top of my vocal performance list- I will be looking for future novels from this author and for other books narrated by Elizabeth McGovern.

McGovern brings the characters to life

There is nothing to add to the many glowing reviews I've read here,


Very little has been said about the performance, so let me point out that McGovern's performance was perfection; right down to Cora's subtle Kansas accent; and her ability to, seamlessly, switch from one accent to another is remarkable.

I seem to be the only man to have read this book; understandable, it's a "girly" book; but it was very insightful and loved every minute of it.

Of course the fact that I'm gay may have something to do with it. (-:

Turns out it was relevant; but I don't want to spoil it for other, potential, readers who may be considering reading it so I'll say no more.

My First Book on Audible

Where does The Chaperone rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoyed listening to The Chaperone! I thought it was definitely worth it, and I will download more books right away.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how everyone learned something--the changes in the characters over time.

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

I thought she was great!

a good, solid period novel

this was a good story, with well done narration. i would recommend as a safe choice for your monthly listening. better picks, though, in this genre would be any of trigiani's books.

Bummed that it's over!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Who else, but Cora, of course! Loved her.

What about Elizabeth McGovern’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed everything about EM's performance...wow!

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

Tears rolled near the end when Cora embraced Raymond.

Any additional comments?

Reviewer, Amanda said it so well. I find that I'm kind of speechless now that I have finished this wonderful story.

A WINNER

I really liked this story, the reading was exceptional. I was so surprised at how different it was than what I expected. This is the best book since The Help, that I have listened to. I listen a lot. I am disapointed a lot, but not this time. Unless you require who dunnits, violence, and contrived romance then I can't imagin that this book won't deliver.

A Must Read for People Who Are Fans of the 1920's!

I really enjoyed this book! Iknew I would like it but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I normally read before I go to bed, but reading this book would keep me up. I couldnt wait to see what happened next! Elizabeth McGovern has the perfect vice for this audio book.