Little Lord Fauntleroy

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrated by: Johanna Ward

Length: 5 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

"The best version of the Cinderella story in modern idiom that exists" is how Marghanita Laski describes Frances Hodgson Burnett's Little Lord Fauntleroy. It is the charming story of a seven-year-old American boy, Ceddie Errol, who lives on the edge of poverty in New York.

One day he is visited by a gruff lawyer at the tiny house he shares with his widowed mother, and his life is never to be the same: for waiting in England is Dorincourt Castle, where Ceddie is to reside as the sole living heir to the irascible, proud, and selfish Earl of Dorincourt. It will be up to this virtuous boy to capture and warm the Earl's heart and transform him into a doting grandfather and responsible landlord.

Public Domain (P)1992 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A Real Boy Becomes a Lord

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

This is a children's story that is a fun listen. My older children (teens) thought it a little predictable and too 'perfect', but that didn't stop them from listening to it when it was on in the room. We did enjoy it. It was neat to see how his Mother put her son's best interests ahead of her own. She was exemplary. So often we say what we think without restraint instead of choosing to do what is right. It is a bit of a morality tale, but there is enough of a good story to make it fun to listen to.

What other book might you compare Little Lord Fauntleroy to and why?

THis story reminds me a bit of Mark Twain's book, 'The Prince and the Pauper'. Both have boys who have to live real lives to learn how to be a good ruler.

Any additional comments?

I would listen to this again.

Honor still understood

This is a story more out of time than a fairy tale. It is of goodness, honesty, caring and love. Wow, it is nearly fundamentally as hard to understand today as a greek tale.
Totally lovely!

Timeless

This timeless story of Little Lord Fauntleroy is beautifully read by Johanna Ward. The story is written by Frances Hodgson Burnett who also authored the Little Princess and The Secret Garden. Just sweet, with a bit of adversity thrown in.

very "tinny" sounding recording.

love the narrator, love the story but audio quality was poor compared to other audio books. Had to spend another credit and download different version.

FANTASTIC!!

Wonderful story and characters, with just a bit of a plot twist I didn't expect! Fantastic narration at a good pace with good character voices. My daughter listened with me and we both enjoyed it immensely <3

When I just need to feel good

Frances Hodges Burnett has been my go to author this year anytime I just need a feel good story. The narration is great and the simple old fashion happy endings are a good break from my heavier reading.

Adults and children

Perfect for a pick me up. Sometimes you don’t want scary or sad or romance. This is a story full of life lessons and entertaining too.

Great story

The story is awesome, you can tell us the same author as the secret Garden, and a little princess. The performance is good. I’m constantly hearing voices in the background, so the recording could’ve been better. She also doesn’t keep her accents straight. Half the time the people in Brooklyn have got British accents, Then later on they have New York accents. Aside from that it’s a fun book to listen to and I’m glad that I’ve got it.

Good Performance

Good narrator, clear voice ,recommended for all listeners. Burnett's other works are probably more interesting with respect to themes and content.

A tapestry of a noble character

I have read and listened to this book and never tire of it. My grandchildren enjoyed it immensely, not at first but by and by, and at the end wished there was more. The book through the experiences of a boy, who learned from his mothers example and counsel, portrayed the essence of a noble character and how seeing the best in others can inspire them to be so.

Sweet old fashioned story

This story was very enjoyable in a quaint old fashioned way. Like most of Frances Hodgson Burnett's main child characters, this little boy was too good to be true - unrealistically angelic, unselfish and adorable, with far more bravery and philanthropy than one could hope for from even an 1800s 7 year old - but obviously the aim was to inspire young readers to become likewise, and that kind of made it more pleasant to listen to! The story follows the fortunes of Cedric Errol, a Pollyanna/Heidi- like character who went from rags to riches, taming a grumpy old git along the way. The moral of the story is, of course, that a kind heart is worth more than any amount of money. The narrator was very good, clear, well spoken and nicely paced. However, I have knocked off one star because the story required different accents (American, Irish and the servants) and this was not a success! Her lamentable attempt at an Irish accent was just laughably ridiculous, and her American accent was no better than midatlantic at best. She would have done better to stick to the nice cultured English speaking voice which was her real one. Also, she didn't have much vocal range; rough male voices, soft female voices, raging anger and the child's high piping voice could have been portrayed with rather more variation. The story was so twee and heartwarming though, that this wasn't a deal breaker. Just right for a bit of easy listening before bed.

Relaxing story

Any additional comments?

This is a story I remember from childhood and it was just as good as I remembered. The narration was excellent and kept me interested. It is definitely worth listening to if you want a simple story to listen to in the evening. The American accent wasn't bad and the characters were suitably brought to life. I will look for other audible books from the authors and from the narrator, Joanna Ward.