From AudioFile
The one long story ("Boule de Suif") and four short ones on these tapes perfectly illustrate de Maupassant's lyrical yet somber view of life as a morality play in which virtue seldom triumphs. Englishman Charlton Griffin brings a classically trained voice to the readings. His rhythm conveys the varying emotional atmospheres beautifully, and each character has a distinct voice. Although their accents are English instead of French, they match the personalities and backgrounds of the original French characters. These are classic short stories done classically. R.E.K. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author
GUY DE MAUPASSANT, (1850 - 1893), a native of Normandy, wrote in a bold and vigorous style that moves inexorably along clear plot lines. He had an astonishing capacity for creating believable characters, and he wasted little ink in putting his stories in motion. Maupassant was a master of "le mot juste," waiting until the perfect word came to him before setting his thoughts to paper. He was one of the first truly modern writers, and today his stories still resonate with enthusiasm and originality.

SYNOPSIS

Short story selections by Guy de Maupassant in Volume I:

BOULE DE SUIFE Set during the Franco-Prussian war, a group of French citizens attempt to flee by stagecoach, but are detained unexpectedly by a Prussian officer who is attracted to pretty Boule de Suif, or "Suet Dumpling" as she is famously known. The attraction is not mutual and she openly disdains his advances. The basic instincts of clergy, middle class and aristocrat are forced into the open as they plot strategy. For without the "help" of Suet Dumpling, the Prussian will not allow the stagecoach to proceed. This is a landmark in French literature!

AT SEA Two brothers become entangled with the elements and greed aboard a fishing vessel. One of the brothers pays a terrible price for the actions of the other. This tale is one of the most compact and powerful short stories ever written.

AN OLD MAN A self-centered, elderly hypochondriac carefully keeps tab of how other old people die at a retirement community. It is an amusing story of self-conceit carried to ridiculous extremes.

THE PIECE OF STRING When suspicion falls on a villager, he discovers that reputation weighs more heavily than fact. It is a poignant tale masterfully told and brilliantly performed.

RUST This is a very humorous tale of a gentrified hunter who falls in love only to discover a certain problem. And not the kind of problem a Frenchman would readily admit to.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
GUY DE MAUPASSANT, (1850 - 1893), a native of Normandy, wrote in a bold and vigorous style that moves inexorably along clear plot lines. He had an astonishing capacity for creating believable characters, and he wasted little ink in putting his stories in motion. Maupassant was a master of "le mot juste," waiting until the perfect word came to him before setting his thoughts to paper. He was one of the first truly modern writers, and today his stories still resonate with enthusiasm and originality. VOICEOVER TALENT: CHARLTON GRIFFIN is one of the great readers of our time. His classical theatre training combined with his wonderful, incisive interpretations of great literature make him a unique talent. Mr.Griffin's vocal performance is vibrant, soothing, compelling, and hypnotic.

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile

The one long story ("Boule de Suif") and four short ones on these tapes perfectly illustrate de Maupassant's lyrical yet somber view of life as a morality play in which virtue seldom triumphs. Englishman Charlton Griffin brings a classically trained voice to the readings. His rhythm conveys the varying emotional atmospheres beautifully, and each character has a distinct voice. Although their accents are English instead of French, they match the personalities and backgrounds of the original French characters. These are classic short stories done classically. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

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