The Red and the Black

By: Stendhal

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Madame de Renal, a wealthy heiress who married the mayor of Verrieres, suddenly finds herself in love with handsome young Julien Sorel, her children's penniless but ambitious new tutor. After a lifetime of complying with all the social rules of French high society, the unassuming Madame de Renal has always regarded true love as the height of immorality, or the subject of fanciful novels. But after meeting the mysteriously charming Julien, both of their lives are transformed in unimaginable ways. Praised for its unflinching look at the hypocrisy of romantic conquests, Stendhal's The Red and the Black remains one of the 19th century's most affecting and passionate novels, and a major influence on modern fiction.Public Domain (P)2011 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Of all the instruments that have ever been used for sketching or writing, Stendhal's traces the most delicate line." (Andre Gide)

Thanks, Audible.com!

When I first purchased this book, I did not realize how poor I would find the sound quality...see my previous review.

However, now Audible.com has found a recording with the highest possible sound rating...a "4".
This is a vast improvement!

The Red and the Black is a true 19th. Century classic. I think you will find your time rewarded.

Stendahl stands alone

This is a great novel with no precedents and decades ahead of George Eliot and Henry James. Additionally for modern tastes it has great dry humor and casts a thoroughly knowledgeable and penetrating eye at special mores and foibles

Such a tragedy for a young talented man

I liked the deep look into the feelings of love. Were the characters in love with the person or in love with love itself. And I liked the pull between rich and poor and careers of young Julian

Strange story, wonderfully performed

I definitely expected this novel to go in a different direction. But, like its protagonist, it seemed driven to drive off the rails. Fantastic reading by Porter—really subtle characterizations, great pace.

Raw Emotions

What did you love best about The Red and the Black?

The best part of this story for me was how powerful and realistically the characters expressed there emotions.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Julian was my favorite character.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Very well done!

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

I had outburst of laughter while listening to this book.