Maria Chapdelaine (version 2)
Gelesen von Bruce Pirie
Louis Hémon
(4,618 Sterne; 17 Bewertungen)
The novel Maria Chapdelaine portrays life in rural Quebec at the beginning of the 20th century. Published first in French in 1913, it is a famous example of the genre known as "novels of the land" ("romans du terroir"). These stories sought to reinforce and preserve the cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage of French Canada — a heritage at risk because of French Canada's historical situation as a conquered enclave inside English North America.
Maria is a young woman whose family works the farm they have cleared from the harsh Quebec forest — "a land that has no pity." As young men seek her hand in marriage, she must clarify her own identity, struggling not only with the problem of selecting from among her suitors, but also with her relationship to the land and to her heritage.
The author Louis Hémon had immigrated from France just two years before writing this novel, and worked on a farm in the Lac Saint-Jean region where the story is set. Hémon died accidentally before seeing his novel in print. (Summary by Bruce Pirie) (5 hr 19 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
Story of the Land
TwinkieToes
(5 Sterne)
It seemed almost like a pioneer story, since Maria's family is clearing land from the forest for their farm. But with talk of street lights and picture shows in the big city, it's definitely not set in the pioneer era. *SPOILER* It's a story that is true to life in the sense that it doesn't have a fairy tale ending. But I enjoyed it even more, I think, than had her love appeared miraculously to save the day (or her heart). Bruce is an excellent reader, expressing the emotion of the narration without going overboard. And, good job on all the French! Unless one has studied it, I find it a very hard language to "wing".
Fascinating Story
jenniebrown
(5 Sterne)
The raw determination of the people and the hardness of the land will astound. It’s one of the most riveting and touching stories I’ve ever read and will never forget. Beautiful and the narration is perfect. Thanks to all who made this available.
RECOMMEND
Compulsive Reader
(5 Sterne)
Such a beautiful story. The narrator Mr. Bruce Pirie such a pleasure to listen to, thank you, JK
Fantastic
Azfad
(5 Sterne)
wonderful narration by Pirie, great sound quality and great book. wins all round!
(3,5 Sterne)
Well read. Good story. Thank you.
Cathy Murray
(5 Sterne)
Lovely story, well read, enjoyed listening