The Scarlet Pimpernel

By: Baroness Orczy

Narrated by: Stephen Crossly

Length: 10 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's Summary

The French Revolution is at the height of its fury. Daily, hundreds of aristocratic heads fall from the guillotine. Emotions run high, and anyone suspected of sympathy toward the nobility is in mortal danger. Only one man is daring enough to lead a small band against popular opinion - the Scarlet Pimpernel. Using masterful disguises and clever strategies, the Scarlet Pimpernel smuggles noblemen and women from France to safety in England. His success is a thorn in the side of the Revolution. As he vanishes from each escapade, he leaves no trace behind except an image of the colorful flower that is his emblem. The Scarlet Pimpernel must be stopped at all costs. But who is he?

This enduring classic is filled with wonderful layers of intrigue and dashing courage. As the cunning hero, and the beautiful woman who loves him, move toward a final victory, the quickened pace is enhanced by Steven Crossley’s dramatic narration.

Public Domain (P)1999 Recorded Books

One of my favorite stories!

First of all I love this novel. It was so nice to pick it up again as an audio book. The reader does a decent job. I can be kind of picky about readers and if they grate on me, I can't finish the book.

A delightful story of daring and mystery and (horrible communication between a husband and wife), this is a great story to learn a little about the French Revolution and enjoy an exciting story. Only makes me wish the Scarlet Pimpernel was real.

If you're looking for more of the same, Baroness Orczy wrote many other stories about the Scarlet Pimpernel and there is an excellent movie from the 80's starring Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour that mushes this book and another "El Dorado" together, so while not an exact retelling, it beautifully captures the spirit of the characters.

A great classic to listen to!

Great story - narrator did a good job in personifying the various characters. Only slightly bit of irritation is narrator often had to swallow now and then a little too close to the mic (but it was well read overall).

The Scarlet Pimpernel, title of series for a reaso

What did you love best about The Scarlet Pimpernel?

The setting, characters, the fact it turned out to be as much a romance as an adventure.

What other book might you compare The Scarlet Pimpernel to and why?

Other in the series, but not all. Those that concentrate on the main characters, in fact those that have the main characters in them.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

The narration was good, done by a men, however he did Marguerite with a French accent. In all productions I have seen or hear she has never had a French accent. It was most distracting. Spoiled the narration. Yes I know she is French but just sounds better without the accent.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love the book and have read it before and although the narration was good at time's Marguerite French accent was disturbing.

Any additional comments?

Would recommend the book not this audio version.

Classic are classics for a reason

The was a great story with something for everyone. It has a little history, a little spy Intrigue and A Little Romance.

Really good

This was really good but sometimes the narrator got just a little bit annoying but other then that it was really fun.

5 Star Story, 3 Star Performance

The narrator leaves much to be desired in that, while he can pronounce the French, his portrayal of the characters - especially Percy - is inconsistent and frustrating. This is one of my favorite stories. Am waiting for the day someone amazing like Perdita Weeks or Jim Dale do the narration.

A wonderful mystery

I loved this story so much. The different directions you are taken in while trying to find out the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel was a lot of fun. I figured it all out rather early on, but the journey to get to the climax was fun nonetheless.

The narrator was very good, my only complaint, and this could in fact not be part of the recording at all, maybe with my earbuds or something else, but there was the tiniest lightest clicking noise semi often.

Listen to this!

Great book to listen to on a long drive! The narrator was awesome and kept us engaged.

Amazing

This book was absolutely amazing! I saw the play and it had a different storyline, but this was just as good!

going back to my roots.

After seeing a live performance by the same title, I just had to read the original work to compare the storyline. This book is far better than the play. And the voice actor does great with the French accents and pronunciation of names. I highly recommend it! Apparently this book is the parent of the superhero genre, and has thus enjoyed a well-deserved Legacy.