The Buccaneers

By: Edith Wharton

Narrated by: Flo Gibson

Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's Summary

Set in the 1870s, the same period as Wharton's The Age of Innocence, The Buccaneers is about five wealthy American girls denied entry into New York Society because their parents' money is too new. At the suggestion of their clever governess, the girls sail to London, where they marry lords, earls, and dukes who find their beauty charming—and their wealth extremely useful.

Public Domain (P)2008 Audio Book Contractors, LLC

An ok story with sass

What did you love best about The Buccaneers?

I love historical fiction written by female authors. This did not disappoint although at times the plot seemed to wonder. The characters were well development and the sassy humor caught my attention and kept me tuned in.

A rare happy ending of sorts

I love Edith Wharton's writing but her stories often end sadly, especially for the women. This one ends abruptly because she died before finishing it. Fortunately, she mapped out the whole story before she died. The outline for the story ends happily for the main protagonist! The writing and the realistic depiction of society in both the United States and Great Britain is perfection!

Any longer and it would've started dragging

First part of the book concerns some (nouveau riche) girls who try, but just aren't accepted by New York society - truly an example of Rich Peoples' Problems.
The young ladies head over to London where, in spite of the rigid class system there, they manage to snag a couple of swells. Part Two is a tale of "be careful what you wish for" as money and titles don't prove all they were cracked up to be - more Rich Peoples' Problems.
I give the work three stars as the writing quality is good, making it a decent read for those with a strong interest in Victorian literature.
A word on the audio narration: Flo Gibson can be an acquired taste, with her unusual cadence. I hadn't heard anything by her recently, so had to start over again with her style, but by the middle of the story either I'd become re-acquainted, or she'd hit her groove.

Disappointed

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

Don't know

Would you be willing to try another one of Flo Gibson’s performances?

NO

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

The reader was not very good and she gave Conchita an Irish accent which was odd.

This narrator just ruins the book

I love and have always loved Wharton and was so excited to encounter this book But gheeze oh man! Where did they dig up this fossil to narrate it?! The intonation and pitch pattern in her manner of speaking are not suitable at all.
Just literally ruined the book for me. So bummed.

My favorite Wharton novel- it is not terribly sad

The novel has a on historical basis. Consuelo Vanderbilt was just one of the wealthy Americans in the latter 19th century who married into British aristocracy. Think also Churchill’s mother. For me the richest characters are the governess Laura Testvally, Sir Helmsley Thwarte and if I listen hard, the Duchess of Tintagel, each a disappointed person. Lizzy and Hector Robinson are a riot. I can’t tell about Nan because the story is unfinished. The written part does not closely heed Edith Wharton’s original outline. I have seen the movie and read a finished version but no one would finish the story like Edith Wharton.

Analysis English Society invaded by The Americans

Edith Wharton's Last (Unfinished) Novel. I've read several of Edith Wharton's novels - "The Customs of the Country"; The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence"

This is a good novel - but its not as good as the above three novels. The main character Anabelle St. George isn't as memorable as other characters Lily Bart (The House of Mirth) and Undine Spragg (The Customs of the Country).

I've read that this novel was read by Julian Fellowes - then he, wondering what would happen one generation after the setting of this novel - created the frame for the television series/movie "Downtown Abbey".

Story of three daughters of three New York/American families who, after not succeeding to the level they wished in New York Society - decide to 'try a London Season' - meet and marry royalty.

The narrative is excellent - but not as insightful as other novels. The novel is unfinished - but the narration includes the author's notes/outline for the entire novel.

The Americans (economy rising - generation of wealth) fascinate the English Society - but represent 'the new' and really are not well accepted by 'the establishment' - at least two of the female characters have bad marriages. A penetrating look at English society 'invaded' by rich Americans....a prelude to World War II's english line.....about the Americans...."they're oversexed, overpaid and over here..."

Some of the narrative about class distinction, ignorance and arrogance - is as relevant today as when the novel was published.

The whole of Wharton's work is excellent - this is an enjoyable novel - others she has written are excellent as well.

Carl Gallozzi
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Gave one star because can't give no stars!

Horrible story, horrible reader!! I wanted to scrape my ears off with a rusty spoon!!!!!!! HORRIBLE!!!!

Narrator speaks too fast

Would you try another book from Edith Wharton and/or Flo Gibson?

No - my book club read The Age of Innocence a couple of years ago and I don't think I made it through that one either. This is also for book club. My problem with it so far (only to chapter 2) is that I can't understand the narrator because she speaks so rapidly AND has some sort of an accent. I've gone back to the beginning about 5 times and still can't concentrate enough on it for my mind not to wander.

Has The Buccaneers turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes, though I'm sure my criticisms don't apply to the entire genre.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

See above - speaking too fast and with an (?) accent. I tried to slow the speed to .75, but that delivery wasn't good - sort of stuttering.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from The Buccaneers?

Didn't get that far.

Any additional comments?

I may try to get this as an e-book to read in print, but I'm thinking it may be a waste of money. Maybe I'll try a sample first.

Suzie's review of the Buccaneers

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

Yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nan

Any additional comments?

I love the time period of this story....I love the clothes, the rules, etc of the rich families.

Reading

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, because I have found the reading very poor. Extremely disappointing as you will see from my library, I am an Edith Wharton fan

What did you like best about this story?

So far I am not liking anything best.

How could the performance have been better?

A better reader

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Probably because it is an Edith Wharton

Any additional comments?

No

good book, awful naration

Really good book but the naration is poor and very irritating. The reader speaks so quickly that it's quite difficult to follow the story - disappointing.