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Scarlet Pimpernel (Version 2)

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By: (1865-1947)

The second version of Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy is a thrilling and captivating read that transports readers to the heart of revolutionary France. The novel follows the daring exploits of the mysterious Scarlet Pimpernel, a British nobleman who risks his life to rescue French aristocrats from the guillotine during the Reign of Terror.

Orczy's writing is both elegant and suspenseful, drawing readers in from the very first page and keeping them on the edge of their seats until the very end. The characters are well-developed and complex, with the Scarlet Pimpernel himself being a particularly enigmatic and intriguing figure.

The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing as to the true identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel and the outcome of his risky missions. The historical backdrop of the French Revolution adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it both entertaining and educational.

Overall, Scarlet Pimpernel Version 2 is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and classic adventure novels. With its engaging plot, well-drawn characters, and exciting exploits, this book is sure to keep readers hooked until the very last page.

Book Description:
In the year 1792, the French Revolution is in the midst of its bloodiest stage. Aristocrats are being executed left and right by the Republic when the guillotine begins to be repeatedly cheated of aristocratic victims due to a series of daring rescues carried out by a mysterious hero known only as “The Scarlet Pimpernel.” Nothing is known about this person, save that he is a master of disguise, has saved dozens of lives, and has never been caught. He is the hero of the aristocrats, the bane of the Republic, and the talk of high society across the channel in England. As the inane and foppish Sir Percy Blakeney, the leader of English fashion, puts it, “They seek him here, they seek him there, those Frenchies seek him everywhere! Is he in Heaven or is he in Hell, that demmed elusive Pimpernel?” And no one is more interested in uncovering the mystery surrounding this hero than Sir Percy’s wife, the young French actress Marguerite St. Just, to whom the fate of the Scarlet Pimpernel may mean everything.


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Reviews (Rated: 4 Stars - 21 reviews)

Reviewer: - March 11, 2021
Subject: purple pimpernel
well done
Reviewer: - January 17, 2021
This is an excellent story, but the changing voices are distracting and the quality varies too much.
Reviewer: - June 21, 2018
Subject: Varying Quality
I had to stop listening at chapter 2. The different voices were distracting and varied greatly in quality. It sounded like some of them were recorded without a mic. The parts where the crowd was suppose to speak was unbearable. All of this was really unfortunate because i really liked the narrator.
Reviewer: - August 16, 2017
Subject: Horrible accents
Had to stop after chapter two. Accents distracting. Taking you out of the story. Hoping it can be re-read without dramatic reading.
Reviewer: - September 19, 2016
Subject: Distracting
As others have noted, the different voices chiming in were distracting. Characters were not portrayed accurately, such as the innkeeper w/ an exaggeratedly Southern (American) accent, Percy with a French accent. The narrator parts were excellent.
Reviewer: - August 8, 2016
Subject: The Scarlet Pimpernel
Dreadful accents for many of the characters.
Reviewer: - February 26, 2015
Subject: A bit fiddly ...
This is a good classic read and I really did enjoy the story, although I only listened through Chapter 6. The quaint dialogue and the drawn-out etiquette scenes are charming and the first chapter sneaky trick captured me. The problem I had, though, was the uneven production. The narrator's volume was "normal" but often other characters' audio would burst in at higher volume - distracting ... no, disturbing. The other issue is heavy accents of some characters - the French characters are clear, but some of the English characters have garbled mumbly voices. I'm thinking mostly of the baronet husband with the beautiful French wife - his voice in Chapter 6 was unintelligible - but there are others as well. All in all it is a good story but the production seems rushed and not quite ready for release.
Reviewer: - December 15, 2014
The Reader of Chapters 17 and 18 was very hard to listen too
Reviewer: - March 8, 2014
Subject: HORRID reading
Terrible reading. We had the guy from Mississippi, his daughter from the Midwest, their friend the leprechaun, the man who was read by a woman and a narrator from Australia. Baroness would roll over in her grave! In my Opinion it would have been best if the narrator from chapter three had read the whole book. I've never heard such a terrible recording.
Reviewer: - November 3, 2013
Subject: Review
I stopped after the 2nd chapter. I couldn't tell what was going on with so many people trying to read this book. If it was just one person it would have probably been very good. Sorry, just couldn't take it any more!
Reviewer: - October 19, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel
The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my favorite stories. I've been enjoying it since my childhood. When I saw it on the list of audio books I was thrilled. Having just finished a fantastic rendition of "Scaramouche" from this same great website, I began "The Scarlet Pimpernel" with much excitement and anticipation. From the first few lines, my hopes were dashed. It was obvious from the outset that this reading would be of far less quality than the other book I had just completed. Yet, I was determined to proceed for love of the story. However, once the multiple character, voices, readers, and especially the large group talking over each other began, I couldn't take any more. I got two minutes into the second chapter and turned it off once and for all. I am giving it two stars because I respect the effort that this group put into it, even if it did not turn out the best.
Reviewer: - August 21, 2013
I don't understand why you would interrupt some very good readers with 'the cowboy drinking in an English Tavern' in chapter 2, ‘the inebriated Russian’ in chapter 6 (Who is supposed to be one of the most ‘well spoken’ characters in the book) and the list goes on. I feel sorry for the actual readers, if they had just read the chapters this would be a 4-5 star. The 2 I have given is solely for them. I had to stop listening to this although the chapter 2 is worth a listen for comical value.
Reviewer: - August 11, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel Audiobook Review
The recording was a poor quality (sound mastering was uneven or non-existent). The conglomeration of various voices throughout made it impossible to listen to. Thankful for the free recording, but it was, overall, very distracting and disappointing.
Reviewer: - July 20, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel
The reader of ch.13 was horrible.
Reviewer: - July 6, 2013
Subject: Review
Although not all the voices were great, overall I thought they were collectively outstanding and made for an enjoyable story. Very entertaining.
Reviewer: - June 20, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel
While I understand the desire to introduce drama in the form of different voices, this book was written to be read, not dramatized. The choice of accents was dubious and added a further distraction. I'm afraid I could not listen past chapter 3. Voices used for dialogue sounded tinny or dull.
Reviewer: - June 5, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel
This was just a lot of fun. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Any minor defects in the reading did not detract at all. Worth every penny I paid, and a lot more.
Reviewer: - June 5, 2013
Subject: The Book
LOVE IT!
Reviewer: - May 7, 2013
Subject: Scarlet Pimpernel
The ONLY reason why I listened to this recording is due to Karen Savage - she is truly a great story narrator.
Reviewer: - April 13, 2013
I couldn't get through the first few chapters.
Reviewer: - January 28, 2013
Subject: Excellent
This is a very entertaining book and the reader did an excellent job.


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