A Hazard of New Fortunes
Gelesen von Nicholas Clifford (1930-2019)
William Dean Howells
(4,521 Sterne; 24 Bewertungen)
Howell’s novel is set in New York of the late nineteenth century, a city familiar to readers of Edith Wharton and Henry James. Basil March, a businessman from Boston of a literary bent, moves with his family to New York to edit a new journal founded by an acquaintance. Its financial support, however, comes from a Mr. Dryfoos, a Pennsylvania Dutch farmer suddenly become millionaire by the discovery of natural gas on his property, and now living in New York with his family in a style he hopes will befit his new wealth.
Is it his new fortune that presents a hazard? Or is it the new wealth of New York City in the Gilded Age? Both March and his literary creator are increasingly aware of some of the social and economic contradictions that beset the city of the time (though some of Howell’s analysis sounds as if it well might fit New York today). Characters such as, among others, Dryfoos’s children, a German socialist immigrant who fought for the Union cause, an impoverished Southern colonel still persuaded that a reformed slavery might work, a young woman drawn from the upper reaches of Old New York society, help to enrich the story and its setting with their differing viewpoints. ( Nicholas Clifford) (16 hr 35 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
Interesting Story
jenniebrown
(3,5 Sterne)
Good character definition and an ok story which finally grabbed me about halfway into the book. Of course, Mr. Clifford kept me listening. He is an amazing narrator and can define each character with a slight change in his tone. Thank you LibriVox and thank you Mr. Clifford!
excellent writing,superbly read
Snowed In Again
(5 Sterne)
characters and situations are so well drawn, believable and interesting, reminds me of James. And no one can bring all those characters to life like Nicolas Clifford.
It was Okay
blehbird
(2,5 Sterne)
This book is realistic in terms of how the characters end up, but not as entertaining as most 19th century stories of its kind.
John Farrell
(5 Sterne)
Brilliant novel, wonderfully written and wonderfully read by the incomparable Nicholas Clifford
Very impressive
shane miller
(5 Sterne)
I loved it, and thanks to the fine reader.
my favorite Howells. Deep, intimate, honest!
susan
(5 Sterne)
excellent reading
kate jones
(5 Sterne)
absorbing story. still relevant