by Edith Wharton
Published 2006
Edith Wharton's most famous novel, written immediately after the end of the First World War, is a brilliantly realized anatomy of New York society in the 1870s. The charming Newland Archer is content to live within its constraints until he meets Ellen Olenska, whose arrival threatens his impending marriage as well as his comfortable future. - ;'They lived in a kind of hieroglyphic world, where the real thing was never said or done or even thought, but only represented by a set of arbitrary signs.' Edith Wharton's most famous novel, written immediately after the end of the First World War, is a brilliantly realized anatomy of New York society in the 1870s, the world in which she grew up, and from which she spent her life escaping. Newland Archer, Wharton's protagonist, charming, tactful, enlightened, is a thorough product of this society; he accepts its standards and abides by its rules but he also recognizes its limitations. His engagement to the impeccable May Welland assures him of a safe and conventional future, until the arrival of May's cousin Ellen Olenska puts all his plans in jeopardy. Independent, free-thinking, scandalously separated from her husband, Ellen forces Archer to question the values and assumptions of his narrow world. As their love for each other grows, Archer has to decide where his ultimate loyalty lies. -
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Top voices for narrating this book
Female · Middle-Aged · Medium · Clear · Crisp · Professional · +10 more
“This voice delivers a clear and impeccably crisp articulation, perfectly suiting the narrator's role in dissecting 1870s New York society with sophisticated observation.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“Its mature and grounded presence provides the ideal empathetic warmth for conveying the nuanced social rules and underlying judgments.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Narration · Professional · Warm · Clear · +3 more
“The professional tone and measured pacing of this voice would beautifully capture the elegance and detailed exposition required.”
American · Middle Aged · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“An articulate delivery with a steady cadence works well for capturing the intricate social rules and dramatic undertones of the era.”
Female · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Professional · Serious · +2 more
“The serious yet calm demeanor of this voice resonates with the narrator's observant nature, suitable for unfolding the drama of high society.”
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A sophisticated and independent voice, imbued with a touch of European worldliness and an underlying melancholy, marking her as an outsider to New York's rigid norms.
Female · Middle-Aged · Narration · Character-Voice · Entertainment · Dark · +7 more
“This voice offers a deeply mysterious and intimate texture, reflecting Ellen's worldly outsider status and underlying melancholy with a captivating, low delivery.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Gentle
“Her gentle and serene tone perfectly embodies Ellen's thoughtful nature, providing a calm and measured presence amidst societal scrutiny.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Modulated
“A modulated and intriguing tone from this voice lends itself well to Ellen's mysterious allure and her position as an independent figure challenging norms.”
Female · Young · Conversational · Narration · Soft · Breathy · +3 more
“The soft and intimate quality of this voice suggests Ellen's gentle spirit and the vulnerability beneath her sophisticated exterior.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Calm
“A warm and conversational speaking style provides a nuanced portrayal of Ellen's complex character, hinting at her approachable yet melancholic depth.”
A voice that embodies innocence and charm, yet carries the unyielding strength of societal convention, perhaps with a subtle, polite firmness beneath the surface.
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“This pleasant, mid-range voice captures May's inherent innocence and charm, while its thoughtful cadence subtly hints at her unwavering strength.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Pleasant
“Her natural, conversational warmth conveys May's social grace and appealing demeanor, underpinning her role as an emblem of societal convention.”
Female · Young · Conversational · Soft · Warm · Intimate · +3 more
“A soft and intimate tone makes this voice ideal for May’s gentle and endearing presence, embodying her compliant yet subtly firm nature.”
American · Young · Female · Narrative Story · Confident
“This bright and friendly voice perfectly expresses May’s youthful charm and the engaging warmth she projects within her social sphere.”
Female · Young · Character-Voice · Social-Media · Entertainment · Bright · +9 more
“The energetic and clear quality of this voice can represent May’s bright disposition and the sparkling facade she maintains in public.”