Maria Chapdelaine (version 2)


Lu par Bruce Pirie

(4.5 stars; 20 reviews)

The novel Maria Chapdelaine portrays life in rural Quebec at the beginning of the 20th century. Published first in French in 1913, it is a famous example of the genre known as "novels of the land" ("romans du terroir"). These stories sought to reinforce and preserve the cultural, linguistic, and religious heritage of French Canada — a heritage at risk because of French Canada's historical situation as a conquered enclave inside English North America.

Maria is a young woman whose family works the farm they have cleared from the harsh Quebec forest — "a land that has no pity." As young men seek her hand in marriage, she must clarify her own identity, struggling not only with the problem of selecting from among her suitors, but also with her relationship to the land and to her heritage.

The author Louis Hémon had immigrated from France just two years before writing this novel, and worked on a farm in the Lac Saint-Jean region where the story is set. Hémon died accidentally before seeing his novel in print. (Summary by Bruce Pirie) (5 hr 19 min)

Chapitres

Peribonka 29:41 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Home in the Clearing 19:08 Lu par Bruce Pirie
François Passes By 13:38 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Wild Land 18:27 Lu par Bruce Pirie
The Vows 30:20 Lu par Bruce Pirie
The Stuff of Dreams 15:31 Lu par Bruce Pirie
A Meager Reaping 5:05 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Entrenched Against Winter 10:31 Lu par Bruce Pirie
One Thousand Aves 20:45 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Straying Tracks 23:03 Lu par Bruce Pirie
The Interpreter of God 12:33 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Love Bearing Gifts 29:09 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Love Bearing Chains 16:01 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Into the Deep Silence 37:51 Lu par Bruce Pirie
That We Perish Not 36:05 Lu par Bruce Pirie
Pledged to the Race 1:41 Lu par Bruce Pirie

Critiques

Story of the Land


(5 stars)

It seemed almost like a pioneer story, since Maria's family is clearing land from the forest for their farm. But with talk of street lights and picture shows in the big city, it's definitely not set in the pioneer era. *SPOILER* It's a story that is true to life in the sense that it doesn't have a fairy tale ending. But I enjoyed it even more, I think, than had her love appeared miraculously to save the day (or her heart). Bruce is an excellent reader, expressing the emotion of the narration without going overboard. And, good job on all the French! Unless one has studied it, I find it a very hard language to "wing".

Fascinating Story


(5 stars)

The raw determination of the people and the hardness of the land will astound. It’s one of the most riveting and touching stories I’ve ever read and will never forget. Beautiful and the narration is perfect. Thanks to all who made this available.

RECOMMEND


(5 stars)

Such a beautiful story. The narrator Mr. Bruce Pirie such a pleasure to listen to, thank you, JK

Fantastic


(5 stars)

wonderful narration by Pirie, great sound quality and great book. wins all round!


(3.5 stars)

Well read. Good story. Thank you.


(5 stars)

Lovely story, well read, enjoyed listening