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Daniel Deronda Audiobook
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(3.00) - 7,527 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
One of the masterpieces of English literature, Daniel Deronda tells the intertwined stories of two different characters as they each come to discover of the truth of their natures.
Gwendolen Harleth is the high-spirited beauty of an impoverished upper-class family. In order to restore their fortunes, she unwittingly traps herself in an oppressive marriage. She turns for solace and guidance to the high-minded young Daniel Deronda, the adopted son of an aristocratic Englishman, who is searching for his own path in life. But when Deronda rescues a poor Jewish girl from drowning, he discovers a world of Jewish culture previously unknown to him. When he finally uncovers the long-hidden secret of his own parentage, he must confront his true identity and destiny.
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"Not a favorite Eliot novel, but a damned fine effort. Really have to admire her championing the Jewish cause in the face of the blatant anti-Semitism that colors most Victorian literature. I like the Jewish characters more than the heroine Gwendoleth, even though she rises above her narrow world view. Not a bad way for Eliot to go out!"
— Amy (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“May, as always, reads with verve, using a range of vocalizations to make the characters fresh and vivid; her narration is crisp and pleasing to the ear.”
— Kliatt -
“Daniel Deronda is a startling and unexpected novel...it is a cosmic myth, a world history, and a morality play.”
— A. S. Byatt -
“[Nadia May’s] quiet yet expressive voice is well suited for narrating this heroic novel…it is easy to imagine that it is Eliot herself reading the book…It should be read not only for its strengths as a literary masterpiece, but also for its unique story line that will hold you mesmerized throughout the reading.”
— Largeprintreviews.com -
“This is a very large human comedy/social commentary reminiscent of Jane Austen, but with more caustic wit…A period piece requires a kind of advocacy on the part of the performer beyond mere transcription. We need to be shown how the writing works. This Nadia May does admirably, making aristocratic nineteenth-century English sound natural and familiar, while projecting a keen awareness of Eliot’s humor and irony.”
— AudioFile -
“Nadia May meets the strenuous demands of Eliot’s narration with easy assurance…she deserves to share the final applause with George Eliot herself.”
— Library Journal
Daniel Deronda Listener Reviews
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" Starts out a bit boring. As with most Victorian novels, it has the tendency to explain too much (which I don't like). Anyway, at least it gets better. The plot is starting to pick up now and Gwen is joy to read. Ehehehe "
— Maryse, 2/6/2014 -
" Good. Then great. Then superb. Then good. Then a bit tedious. Then great again. Not a masterpiece, but pretty essential. "
— Jonathan, 2/1/2014 -
" Absolutely stunning. Far better than Middlemarch. Such grand themes, such fascinating characters. "
— Mark, 1/22/2014 -
" my least favorite Eliot so far; she is a great writer but there is just toomuch commentary, makes for very slow-going "
— Paula, 1/20/2014 -
" It took me forever to finish reading this book, but I did enjoy the writing and the twists in the plot. I found it fascinating to think about the characters behavior in light of the time frame when it was written. I'm looking forward to the book group discussion. "
— Ma'lis, 1/17/2014 -
" Started out strong, but succumbed to Victorian sentimentality. Gwendolen is no longer interesting after she becomes repentant and pathetic. Mordecai is just never interesting, and neither is all the Zionist jibber-jabber. Has some great characters (like Gwendolen before her downfall), but ultimately fails to deliver. It's worth reading, but feel free to skim large parts. "
— Evan, 1/17/2014 -
" George Eliot is amazing. I love this book! One of my all time favorites. "
— Nicole, 12/17/2013 -
" Since I really liked Silas Marner, I suggested this book for my bookclub. I like the lady character and the story overall that resolve around Daniel Deronda. It has an interesting ending and this book makes for a good discussion. "
— Lee, 12/2/2013 -
" Muwahahaha SO FREAKING DONE. As for a review. No. Because I have to write a paper on the book. A 10 page paper. So no review. Adios. "
— Willa, 11/26/2013 -
" Long but wonderful story. Daniel was a good guy. Gwendolyn grew up painfully. Fun. "
— Jeanie, 9/29/2013 -
" Actually, I'm currently REreading this book because it is one of my favorite novels. "
— Diane, 8/29/2013 -
" Beautiful, complex, believable. Underrated, should be up there with Middlemarch. "
— Kamlapati, 6/4/2013 -
" I loved the first half of this book, but the second half was long and a little boring. George Eliot tends to moralize a lot and in this book she has pages and pages of philosophizing, which I really did not like. I enjoyed the characters and story quite a bit. "
— Katie, 3/22/2011 -
" At times predictable! Fades in comparison to Middlemarch! "
— Pooneh, 2/22/2011 -
" I've read all three George Eliot books and appreciate the life I'm able to lead as a woman in modern times. Yikes, it's difficult to even imagine the extent to which women were suppressed during the time period of these books. "
— Meg, 2/11/2011 -
" Took me a while, but my quest has finally reached an end. I loved the connection between Daniel and Mirah even though it truely upsets Gwendolen. But hey, she wouldn't be the same without it. "
— Manney, 11/23/2010 -
" George Eliot's last novel does not quite ring true to me. Was she being too ambitious with her mix of characters and themes? It just does not seem to all work together. I plan to watch the BBC Andrew Davies video next to see what he makes of it. "
— Laurele, 2/23/2010 -
" The "Jewish Section" was a little icky. Eliot's characterization of Mordecai, and the culture made me uncomfortable. The Gwendolyn/Grandcourt was icky in another way - reminded of Henry James' novel. Man, George Eliot is excellent. "
— Kerry, 5/28/2009 -
" I love the complexity of George Elliot's novels "
— Joyce, 10/31/2008 -
" An interesting work which addresses anti-semitism in Victorian England. "
— Gina, 1/28/2008 -
" Another 'made myself read' book and glad I did (as I can watch the mini-series without feeling that I've cheated) but it didn't really touch my romantic streak : ( "
— Louise, 12/19/2007
About George Eliot
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann, or Marian, Evans (1819–1880), was an English Victorian novelist of the first rank. An assistant editor for the Westminster Review from 1851 to 1854, she wrote her first fiction in 1857 and her first full-length novel, Adam Bede, in 1859. In her writing, she was chiefly preoccupied with moral problems, especially the moral development and psychological analysis of her characters. She is known for her sensitive and honest depiction of life and people in works that are acclaimed as classics.
About Wanda McCaddon
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.