Auriol, or The Elixir of Life


Gelesen von Sonia

(4.4 stars; 19 reviews)

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)

Kapitel

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

Bewertungen

exceedingly entertaining


(5 stars)

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)

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


(4 stars)

nice story ,good narration considering English not her first language.

Fascinating story.


(5 stars)

Well-told tale. Divinely read! Many, many thanks.