The Lady of the Camellias

By: Alexandre Dumas the Younger

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

This is the hauntingly romantic story of Marguerite Gautier, a Parisian courtesan who falls in love with a young man of modest means. Set in the glittering mid-19th century of the French Empire, it evokes scenes of sumptuous feasts and riotous entertainments amid the swirling milieu of sophisticated Parisian society.

The story begins when the narrator, Armand Duval, tells how he met the beautiful young temptress at a theatrical performance. With determination Armand pursues the flirtatious Marguerite and manages to capture her heart...with tragic consequences for both.

Alexandre Dumas explores the twisted logic of two diametrically opposed lifestyles brought together in love, the impact on family and friends, and the internal stresses such an affair is bound to produce. With remarkable skill, Dumas takes us on a breathtaking tour of Paris at its sparkling height at the time of emperor Louis Napoleon.

When The Lady of the Camellias first appeared in 1847, it caused an immediate sensation. It went on to become one of the most popular French novels of all time. Almost immediately, it caught the eye of Giuseppe Verdi, who transformed this tragic love story into one of the most popular and famous operas ever written, La Traviata.

In the latter half of the century, The Lady of the Camellias took to the stage in a series of internationally successful productions. A stage version was being produced somewhere in the world almost continuously for over 50 years just prior to World War I. The book has also been adapted for film about 20 times, the most famous being Camille in the 1930s. Because of its timeless theme, La Dame aux Camélias will go right on capturing hearts for years to come. Settle back and let the story of Marguerite Gautier and Armand Duval sweep you away!

©2007 Audio Connoisseur (P)2007 Audio Connoisseur

Critic reviews

"This is a very polished production, with music introducing and underscoring small sections of text. Charlton Griffin, a tried and true narrator, has a smooth baritone and such a clear understanding of the work that his interpretation is flawless." ( The Boston Globe)

Original Version of Familiar Story Well Read

The book is compulsively readable, perhaps because the story???a young courtesan, redeemed by love, dying of consumption???is so familiar. I was really impressed with the narrator, Charlton Griffin. In fact, I almost cannot believe that he spoke the women's parts he was so convincing. I listen to a lot of audio books, and he is one of the best narrators I have ever heard.

Nice story

This is the second audio book that I have listened to and to be honest, I expected just a little bit more. I mean, the story itself is beautiful - young, but deadly sick courtesan opts for a young, but poor gentleman and chooses love instead of money, BUT what I missed the most was her gradual falling in love with Armand I would say. Okay, so Armad sees Marguerite at theatre and is charmed by her. Then, they see each other for the second time, he tells her that he is in love with her and that's practically it. They are somehow together and againts all the odds. From the book, I understood that Marguerite was very beautiful and there were lots of men interested in her. So what I would like to know is why she chose Armand from all these men. Anyway, I don't know why, but I expected a little bit more from the story. What I found the most beautiful on the other hand, was the diary that Marguerite kept while she was sick and where she explains everything (why she left Armand after their idylic life at countryside, that all she did was because of love etc.). What the author is trying to point at is that no courtesan (and no one) has an easy life (Marguerite dies most probably on syphilis) and even if they led such life, they should not be judged because of their past if they decide to change their path. Which is a nice thought. Nice story. I just expected a little bit more drama...or more things happening...or something. :) But still, it is a nice book and with nice voice performance. Compliments to Mr. Griffin!

A Dumas in the age of de Balzac

Fine portrait of the characters and understanding of a courtesan and the men who keep her and the man who loves her. The view of Paris reminds me of the best of Honore de Balzac in "Pere Goriot." Clever plot, in the tradition of his father, but more judgmental about society's moral codes.

Not the work of the Elder

His father's novels were much better.