The Charioteer Audiobook By Mary Renault cover art

The Charioteer

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The Charioteer

By: Mary Renault
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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After surviving the Dunkirk retreat, Laurie Odell, a young homosexual, critically examines his unorthodox lifestyle and personal relationships, as he falls in love with a young conscientious objector and becomes involved with a circle of world-weary gay men.

©1955 Mary Renault (P)2014 Audible Studios Classics Heartfelt
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Featured Article: The top 100 classics of all time


Before we whipped out our old high school syllabi and dug deep into our libraries to start selecting contenders for this list, we first had to answer the question, "How do we define a classic?" The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might guess, though there’s a lot to be said for the old adage, "You know it when you see it" (or, in this case, hear it). Of course, most critically, each of our picks had to be fabulous in audio. So dust off your aspirational listening list—we have some amazing additions you don’t want to miss.

Featured Article The top 100 classics of all time
Historical Authenticity • Emotional Depth • Exceptional Narration • Timeless Storytelling • Insightful Perspective

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Wonderfully full of longing and of a misguided desire to protect. The reader’s performance was a little stiff - Ralph’s voice not quite believable. Still, I’d listen to it all over again

Perhaps my favorite novel

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It’s been on my wish list for years and I’m beyond thrilled I finally heard it. This book is a classic for good reason — undeniably human to its core, and simultaneously relatable and a fascinating look at an astoundingly different world

A breathtaking masterpiece

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Enjoyed historical WW2 aspect, can picture what it was like for gay men living through it. A book you need to listen or read more slowly, there’s a lot unsaid and can be confusing (plus the British English and time period). First listen I wanted to know the story, and who Laurie ended up with. Second time for the details, and complexity.

Listened twice, once for the story once for the details

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This is a must. Mary Renaults way of bringing characters to life is brilliant. A simple story of life that draws you in to hang on every detail.

True Classic

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An enjoyable book, the WWII spin on a love triangle. Nail biter happy ending. Not a war story. It gets a little soapy by the 3/4 mark but still a worthwhile read/listen

I think I’ve seen this episode

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