Auriol, or The Elixir of Life

If you stumble upon the elixir of life, which provides you with eternal life, youth and health, then it's rather a bad idea to spoil this great gift by signing a pact with the devil on top of it to receive great financial fortune as well. Auriol Darcy, the protagonist of our story, has in fact made this mistake, but soon finds out that the price to pay is much too high to bear. And getting out of a pact with the devil is never easy.
William Harrison Ainsworth's novel is divided into three parts and the final part provides quite a surprise twist ending, which will not be revealed here. The surrealistic plot and setting and especially the psychological elements give this novel quite a modern touch, considering it's been written as early as 1844. The colourful characterization of some shady people from the lower classes of society lend a humouristic touch to the story which provides a nice contrast to the otherwise gloomy gothic atmosphere of the main plot. - Summary by Sonia (5 hr 16 min)

Chapters

Prologue (1599) - Dr. Lamb	34:50	Read by Sonia
Book the First: Ebba - Chapter I. The ruined house in the Vauxhall Road	16:10	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter II. The dog-fancier	25:20	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter III. The hand and the cloak	23:39	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter IV. The iron-merchant's daughter	13:36	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter V. The meeting near the statue	9:26	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter VI. The Charles the Second spaniel	14:48	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter VII. The hand again !	8:36	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter VIII. The barber of London	12:14	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter IX. The moon in the first quarter	8:39	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter X. The statue at Charing Cross	15:46	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter XI. Preparations	6:33	Read by Sonia
Book 1 - Chapter XII. The chamber of mystery	10:38	Read by Sonia
Intermean (1800) - Chapter I. The tomb of the Rosicrucian	11:49	Read by Sonia
Intermean - Chapter II. The compact	11:12	Read by Sonia
Intermean - Chapter III. Irresolution	6:32	Read by Sonia
Intermean - Chapter IV. Edith Talbot	10:30	Read by Sonia
Intermean - Chapter V. The seventh night	6:14	Read by Sonia
Book the Second: Cyprian Rougemont - Chapter I. The cell	9:05	Read by Sonia
Book 2 - Chapter II. The enchanted chairs	18:08	Read by Sonia
Book 2 - Chapter III. Gerard Paston	8:06	Read by Sonia
Book 2 - Chapter IV. The pit	11:54	Read by Sonia
Book 2 - Chapter V. New perplexities	9:37	Read by Sonia
Book 2 - Chapter VI. Doctor Lamb again	13:36	Read by Sonia

Reviews

exceedingly entertaining

(5 stars)

Shelly

Thank you, Sonia for a clear, professional reading. Like listening to a radio drama. All characters are given their own voices so no problem knowing who is speaking, An assortment of dialects and languages all pronounced correctly. The story rolls along at a good pace throughout and is amusing and entertaining. Sounds as though it is a much more modern book than it is. Liked the ending- a twist that raises questions. Definitely marked for another listen. Sonia, you deserve a medal.

An entertaining gothic tale

(4 stars)

Amphelios

A lot of gothic romance tropes featured in this story but it is still memorable and interesting to listen to. Many strange quirky characters and setting descriptions. Expressively read.

good tale with a twist