Scarlet and Black (Abridged) Audiobook

" A work that seems almost epic in scope, this novel is a really fascinating examination of 19th century France. Following the main character, we get Stendhal's critique of hypocrisy in the French military (the Red), and the clergy (the Black), which mirror the hypocrisy of the aristocracy. It is only by playing to that hypocrisy, thereby becoming a hypocrite himself, that Julien--the protagonist--is able to advance from his peasant roots. "

" This was surprisingly good - and quite dishy. Full of romance, scandal and surprises, not at all stuffy like we expect classic literature to be. "

" Soo boring "

" I read this for book group. I'm glad I read it. I had always wanted to read Stendahl, but I didn't love it. The book group was also tepid about it. "

" It didn't impress me that much, maybe because i read it too late, but i will admit the parts where Julien has doubts and he's revealing the true masks of the post-Napoleon society are actually interesting. That being said, I consider it a classic book, easy to read, and very romantic. "

" this book left my life with someone named Joel "

" One of the greatest books. Stendhal was great in describing the complex nature of love and the internal world of humans struggling with their own love, emotions, and prejudices. "

" It's very French. "

" The book that changed everything. "

" This book was written before they invented foreshadowing. "

" It has been a long time since I read this book, but I have never forgotten it. A revolutionary and tragic book. "

" required reading for M Guy at Bennington "

" The back cover was so fascinating yet the story was so boring. "

" Al Gore's fave. "

" A book to read more then one time, great! "

" Amazing that such a dull story - the rise and fall of an egoist - could be the frame for such a wonderfully perverse and unsparing social critique. Wickedly good fun. "

" Great book. Fast-paced, incisive, exciting, sprawling, sloppy, brilliant. "

" Stendahl didn't like the aristocracy or the clergy. And he thought ambition was a no-win way to behave. "

" Like this reader, Julien Sorrel is a fool, a hypocrite, and melancholic. Stendhal manages to make everyone and everything seem bovine. Thumbs up! "

" This is the book that I got me hooked in French Literature. Ended up majoring French Literature in college back in Japan many many years ago. "

" I believe this is Stendhal's best book - beautifully written and great subject matter. "