EUGENIE GRANDET

This novel, written in 1833 and considered a minor masterpiece, is expertly narrated by Justin Avoth. His erudite, perfectly paced voice describes the rigid, monotonous life of a provincial French family, the Grandets. The head of the family is a miser who cares more for gold than for either his obedient wife or his pious daughter, Eugénie. When Eugénie's cousin, Charles, comes to reside in their household after his father's financial ruin and death, Eugénie's life suddenly changes irrevocably. She falls in love, but many obstacles impede a happily-ever-after. This literary work is descriptive, thoughtful, and enlightening. Human nature is revealed and reviled. Patient listeners will come to understand why this is a classic. D.L.G. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2025]