Uncle Bernac: A Memory of the Empire


Read by Cate Barratt

(4.5 stars; 261 reviews)

Looking for a replacement to Sherlock Holmes after the author had killed him off in 1894, Doyle wrote this murder mystery in the dying years of the 19th century. Set in Napoleon's era, it involves a Frenchman returning to his native land to join the Emperor's ranks. (Summary by Cathy Barratt) (4 hr 39 min)

Chapters

01 - Chapter I. The Coast of France 20:00 Read by Cate Barratt
02 - Chapter II. The Salt-Marsh 14:44 Read by Cate Barratt
03 - Chapter III. The Ruined Cottage 9:15 Read by Cate Barratt
04 - Chapter IV. Men of the Night 15:04 Read by Cate Barratt
05 - Chapter V. The Law 13:57 Read by Cate Barratt
06 - Chapter VI. The Secret Passage 14:36 Read by Cate Barratt
07 - Chapter VII. The Owner of Grosbois 12:02 Read by Cate Barratt
08 - Chapter VIII. Cousin Sybylle 15:05 Read by Cate Barratt
09 - Chapter IX. The Camp of Boulogne 15:11 Read by Cate Barratt
10 - Chapter X. The Ante-Room 17:36 Read by Cate Barratt
11 - Chapter XI. The Secretary 12:02 Read by Cate Barratt
12 - Chapter XII. The Man of Action 28:30 Read by Cate Barratt
13 - Chapter XIII. The Man of Dreams 17:53 Read by Cate Barratt
14 - Chapter XIV. Josephine 15:56 Read by Cate Barratt
15 - Chapter XV. The Reception of the Empress 25:10 Read by Cate Barratt
16 - Chapter XVI. The Library of Grosbois 20:29 Read by Cate Barratt
17 - Chapter XVII. The End 11:51 Read by Cate Barratt

Reviews

If you're thinking of giving this title a miss . . .


(5 stars)

I nearly passed this one by. My first attempt was cut short by a rash dislike of the reader's fast paced style, but I'd heard almost all of Sir Doyle's other books and was desperate to hear one more. That, and the fact that this recording received such high reviews by so many other listeners caused me to return and try again. I'm so glad I did! The reader's manner of speaking is a bit unusual but it's worth sticking with. After a chapter or two I became more accustomed to the speed of her reading and by the third or fourth, maybe fifth, I quite liked the singularly unique tone it leant to the whole story. Definitely glad I gave it a second chance!

Very Good Story


(4.5 stars)

Very enjoyable story, ACD depicted Napoleon very well, and I feel like I know quite a lot after reading it. The reader’s fast pace wasn’t to my liking, and I am disappointed he didn’t keep going with it. Still much better than most of the books I read now, and I feel it definitely compares with Sherlock Holmes despite a month ago before my reading of The White Company, Sir Nigel, and this , I had thought nothing could ever compare to Sherlock Holmes.

Great Conan Doyle


(4 stars)

What a great book! I have enjoyed listening to some of Conan Doyle's books OTHER than Sherlock Holmes. This is a great one - very well read, and with some interesting insights into what it meant to be French in the time of Napoleon.


(5 stars)

as usual, Doyle is a master story teller

Randall


(4 stars)

Good narration and exciting story.

intresting book, and very nice reading.


(5 stars)


(4 stars)

I too found this by accident listening to all cate Barrett stories and really enjoyed it . As to the speak that she reads I find it great how she can pronounce all those french words like it’s her native tongue . You can slow the narrative down by clicking on the hare and using the speed bar to increase or decrease the recording

Interesting historical novel


(4.5 stars)

The story wasn't what I expected, but it was paced well and ended with an in depth character study not found in modern historical treatments. The reading is quite good, but only after slowing down the pace. I'm glad I listened, it was worth it.