THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN

In this contemporary, Victorian-style novel Charles Smithson, a nineteenth-century gentleman with glimmerings of twentieth-century perceptions, falls in love with enigmatic Sarah Woodruff, who has been jilted by a French lover. Paul Shelley's subtle presentation does full justice to Fowles' artful, mysterious tale, whether he's reading an exposition on Darwinian theory or narration of romantic assignations and broken promises. Never once does he lose the listener as the author moves between the past and present, commenting on Victorian customs, politics and morays. And never once does he give away the novel's surprise ending. Enthusiastically recommended. R.B.F. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: NOV 94]