The Scarlet Pimpernel

British actor Simon Williams offers a first-rate reading of Baroness Orczy's historical novel, set in 1792 during the Reign of Terror in France, when every aristocrat was under the threat of the guillotine for being considered a traitor to the Republican cause. Williams characterizes voices with enthusiasm and artfully portrays the foppish Sir Percy Blakeney (who is actually the mysterious and elusive Scarlet Pimpernel, the leader of a band of daring Englishmen who smuggle French aristocrats into England). Williams has an easy-to-listen-to European accent and reads with a flowing, elegant style that keeps the story moving briskly. C.R.A. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

With the stage debut of The Scarlet Pimpernel (1903), the Baroness Orczy invented the "masked avenger" genre of fiction--the swashbuckling hero of dual identity. Her progeny include Zorro, Superman, The Lone Ranger and many others. The Baroness's Pimpernel is a British fop who, in a play and series of popular novels, daringly spirited condemned innocents out of France during the Reign of Terror. Hugh Laurie, best known Stateside as the foppish Bertie Wooster in TV's "Wooster and Jeeves," plunges into these two adventures with childlike relish. Yes, he is corny; yes, he overdoes it; but irresistibly. That's what this fare is made for. As he reads, one pictures, not the dashing Leslie Howard, cinema's Pimpernel, but a little boy performing for the family behind his homemade puppet theater. Sorry, Baroness, I know this isn't what you had in mind, but it's far better. Y.R. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Julian Rhind-Tutt sounds as if he's having as much excitement as the Scarlet Pimpernel in this classic adventure novel, which means that listeners do, too. A quick reminder: During the French Revolution, a disguised Englishman is saving French aristocrats from "Madame Guillotine" and secreting them to safety. Who could he be? Will they catch him? And how can one narrator be French, English, male, female, young, and old, as needed? Easily, evidently, as Rhind-Tutt offers expansive vocal studies of the central figures and quick sketches of the passersby. His voice is melodious, and his pacing suits the tempo of the scene, be it love or chase. Is the book overwritten? Yes. Is it fun anyway? Yes. And it started a literary trend. Just enjoy. A.C.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

Listeners become immersed in the dramatic days of the French Revolution and the rush to save aristocrats by the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Through the narration of Bill Homewood, listeners will puzzle over the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel, agonize with Marguerite over the fate of the brave hero, and worry about the evil plots of the villain Chauvelin. Though the story demonstrates some sexist views of women's abilities and roles, for the most part, the 1905 work remains enjoyable for today's audience. Further, through this outstanding audiobook, both unfamiliar listeners and those who have worn out their reading copies will experience the story in a special way. V.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine