The Rover (Version 2)


Read by Peter Dann

(4.6 stars; 6 reviews)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann) (8 hr 28 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 17:18 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 2 24:10 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 3 26:17 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 4 24:03 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 5 24:06 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 6 22:25 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 7 40:27 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 8 35:02 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 9 32:20 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 10 37:37 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 11 35:11 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 12 23:11 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 13 16:54 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 14 42:54 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 15 1:00:31 Read by Peter Dann
Chapter 16 46:32 Read by Peter Dann

Reviews

Superb


(5 stars)

Brilliant story , lots of interesting characters with intriguing backstories. Didn't want it to end. As always, enhanced by Peter's superb narration. Going into my favourites.