Felix Holt, The Radical

By: George Eliot

Narrated by: Nadia May

Relinquishing thoughts of a materially rewarding life, the respectably educated Felix Holt returns to his native village in North Loamshire and becomes an artisan. He is a forceful young man of honor, integrity, and idealism, burning to participate in political life so that he may improve the lot of his fellow artisans.

Contrasted with Felix Holt is the intelligent, economically secure Harold Transome, just returned from the East to assume responsibility for Transome Court, his inherited manor home, and to take a seat in Parliament.

Both men vie for the hand of Esther, a young woman of charm and virtue, who must choose between a life of idealism and a life of refinement.

The narrative is enhanced by plot twists involving illegitimacy and lines of inheritances, as well as by Eliot's vivid character studies, including the corrupt political agent Johnson; Harold Transome's mother, with her fears of a secret being revealed; and the loyal servant Denner.

(P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"George Eliot's work places great importance on setting...much background is provided to make the 19th-century love triangle come alive. Narrator Nadia May fills the listener in with brisk, breathless cadences, breezing through the lengthy descriptions like a lovable neighborhood gossip. Her crisp accent, pauses between sentences, and mastery of tone help the listener understand the predicament of Esther Lyon....As she reads the text, May seems to be enjoying it herself, which enables the listener to do the same." (AudioFile)

insight and depth; no gratuitous sex or violence

one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. I wish I had discovered this amazing author earlier. I actually read some of her books some years ago. only now do I really appreciate her.

Classic literature

Both the writing and the narration are superb for the literary classic. The account of 19th century England is delightful.

A great, moral tale.

A wonderful story, made so much easier to appreciate by a remarkable performer. The soaring glory of the English language at its finest.

Riches or Morals? Which will she choose?

This classic novel dives into the ordinary lives of several intersecting families in an English country town over the course of an election to Parliament. During the election, will the candidate’s mother’s terrible secret come out? Will Esther abandon her stepfather when she discovers the truth about her heritage? Will Felix Holt be deported for a crime he didn’t intend?
While I greatly enjoyed this book, Elliot is always a little bit of a stressful read for me. Her people seem so real, with real virtues and flaws and always encounter some event that while it may not be realistic itself is realistically stressful to all those in the plot. I recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for classic English literature, or the history of the church or politics in England.

four and a half stars

Felix is not a five, but better than a four. I found Eliot's Middlemarsh, Daniel Deronda, and Adam Bede to be more satisfying reads all round. Like Adam Bede, Felix Holt starts with a great deal of exposition that might put off some listeners --but If you like 19th century British lit and/or social history - or even engaging characters and action in "historical fiction" this (once you are past the opening exposition), is very satisfying. I think it much stronger as a novel and more engaging than Bronte's Shirley, for ex.

If you are new to Eliot, then think Austen meets all the Bronte sisters with a touch of Dickens, and a good bit more implicit feminism.