The Golden Calf
Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Read by Tara Dow
A late 19th Century sensation novel following the young life of Ida Palliser as she searches for fortune and love within England's Gentry Class. Victorian sensation books were often set in ordinary, familiar setting, undermining the perceived adherence to social convention. They exposed the true lives of Victorian England's upper class - lives they tried to keep hidden. (summary by James Dow) (16 hr 49 min)
Chapters
Reviews
Lori K
I really liked this story. It's a drama not a mystery. Still, there were parts that were mysterious, suspenseful, & intriguing. There were also some twists. One occurred not too far into the story that was quite surprising to me. It made me really dislike the guy who created it & want to know if he got punished for it. I was interested in all of the characters, their lives, their growth as people, & their relationships with each other. I was interested the entire time. I do agree that the ending seemed short & abrupt but I also don't know if there was much more to say. At least it was what I wanted as it gave the characters some much needed happiness.
Actually mostly enjoyed!
TheReader
Was not an effort to listen to (this regarding actual story /lineplot). The reading were excellent... I think there was just one reader. Storyline was a little different but worked... For once I didn't feel she was wrapping-up the story but then decided she'd add more characters w/additional plot twist. But some of her characters can be real ditzes!! (Is that even a word????)
A good redressing of old themes.
Colin Parker
Although the plot twists are easily predictable, the realistic manner in which it is written doubly compensates. The second half is too drawn out, however, and then the final close is too abrupt and expected. A little pinched from Jane Eyre? On the other hand, I enjoyed how the author gave clichés a makeover. Definitely worth listening to. Superb narration!
a lesson in the worship of Manon
Deborah
well read. clear. great diction. wonderful characterization. thank you to the reader. a very talented lady. thankyou to the author, another talented lady. good for all ages but recomendable for young teen readers. topics: love of money, temperance, duty, true friendship, true love.
Ann Marie
I enjoyed this ever so much. I like how Ida grew more mature as the story progressed. It kept me listening - the narrator was excellent! I felt sad leaving the characters once the story was over - I grew to love them so much.
Good listen
karebil
Not one of Braddon's best, but certainly no slouch in the interest department. It's just that there is little mystery and/or intrigue here. The narrator is the same throughout and she is really a pleasure to whom to listen.
Ms. Elizabeth
took a while to get into the story, but once in it, I was able to enjoy it. the main character has to go thru so many tragedies before she is able to have her love.
A LibriVox Listener
it's unfortunate that MEB is dismissed as a writer of "sensation" novel, because the best parts of her books are her keen observations of manners and character - quite as acute as Austen or Dickens.