Felix Holt, The Radical

By: George Eliot

Narrated by: Nadia May

Relinquishing thoughts of a materially rewarding life, the respectably educated Felix Holt returns to his native village in North Loamshire and becomes an artisan. He is a forceful young man of honor, integrity, and idealism, burning to participate in political life so that he may improve the lot of his fellow artisans.

Contrasted with Felix Holt is the intelligent, economically secure Harold Transome, just returned from the East to assume responsibility for Transome Court, his inherited manor home, and to take a seat in Parliament.

Both men vie for the hand of Esther, a young woman of charm and virtue, who must choose between a life of idealism and a life of refinement.

The narrative is enhanced by plot twists involving illegitimacy and lines of inheritances, as well as by Eliot's vivid character studies, including the corrupt political agent Johnson; Harold Transome's mother, with her fears of a secret being revealed; and the loyal servant Denner.

(P)1999 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"George Eliot's work places great importance on setting...much background is provided to make the 19th-century love triangle come alive. Narrator Nadia May fills the listener in with brisk, breathless cadences, breezing through the lengthy descriptions like a lovable neighborhood gossip. Her crisp accent, pauses between sentences, and mastery of tone help the listener understand the predicament of Esther Lyon....As she reads the text, May seems to be enjoying it herself, which enables the listener to do the same." (AudioFile)

Classic literature

Both the writing and the narration are superb for the literary classic. The account of 19th century England is delightful.

insight and depth; no gratuitous sex or violence

one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. I wish I had discovered this amazing author earlier. I actually read some of her books some years ago. only now do I really appreciate her.

A great, moral tale.

A wonderful story, made so much easier to appreciate by a remarkable performer. The soaring glory of the English language at its finest.

Riches or Morals? Which will she choose?

This classic novel dives into the ordinary lives of several intersecting families in an English country town over the course of an election to Parliament. During the election, will the candidate’s mother’s terrible secret come out? Will Esther abandon her stepfather when she discovers the truth about her heritage? Will Felix Holt be deported for a crime he didn’t intend?
While I greatly enjoyed this book, Elliot is always a little bit of a stressful read for me. Her people seem so real, with real virtues and flaws and always encounter some event that while it may not be realistic itself is realistically stressful to all those in the plot. I recommend this book to anyone who has a taste for classic English literature, or the history of the church or politics in England.

four and a half stars

Felix is not a five, but better than a four. I found Eliot's Middlemarsh, Daniel Deronda, and Adam Bede to be more satisfying reads all round. Like Adam Bede, Felix Holt starts with a great deal of exposition that might put off some listeners --but If you like 19th century British lit and/or social history - or even engaging characters and action in "historical fiction" this (once you are past the opening exposition), is very satisfying. I think it much stronger as a novel and more engaging than Bronte's Shirley, for ex.

If you are new to Eliot, then think Austen meets all the Bronte sisters with a touch of Dickens, and a good bit more implicit feminism.

George Eliot at her finest

Wonderful characters, moving circumstances, and the use of language I’ve come to love. Loved the narrator.

Excellent book

Very pleasant narrative. Brings us back to the early 19th century countryside in England. Great insight into the social structure and preoccupations of the people at that time. It is amusing to see that the heroine was motivated only by love and the highest moral principles. Very little frivolity and zero hormonal distractions kept her perfectly pure. Unfortunately I believe real life is pretty far removed from the authors skillfully crafted construction.

All you need is love

Loved the characters and the process by which they evolve. Love helps them all to grow.

Rewarding

Although there’s an insanely complicated legal situation at the heart of this novel, I found it to be one of Eliot’s more agreeable and rewarding works. All characters (except the truly worst) are treated with a broad and humane sympathy, and there are touches of humor - something that her novels often lack. Despite the title, Felix Holt is not the most interesting character in the book. That would have to be Esther, daughter of the local curate, and someone who begins with a shallow love of appearances and ends with love and courage - and a delightful sense of flirtatiousness.

As always, Nadia May gives a sterling performance.

Enjoyed the book and narrator

An intelligent and beautiful style of writing, combined with a talented narrator who brought the characters to life. I throughly enjoyed this audiobook and am left eager to listen to another book by Eliot.