The Great Impersonation
Gelesen von Tom Weiss
E. Phillips Oppenheim
(4,758 Sterne; 192 Bewertungen)
E. Phillips Oppenheim, an English novelist created well in excess of 100 novels and 30 plus collections of short stories. Most of his tales are thrillers and espionage. The Great Impersonation was written following World War I and is considered by many to be perhaps his best novel. The story focuses on German espionage in England prior to the start of World War I. The tale centers on two characters that are almost identical in appearance. Indeed, while both attend the same school in England, they are often mistaken for one another. One character is Sir Everard Dominey, an English baronet who enjoys the “good life” but falls into disfavor when he is accused of murdering Roger Unthank. Unthank, of the same village, has an infatuation for Dominey’s wife, Rosamund, and attacks Dominey. Dominey comes before his wife bloody and ragged after the struggle with Unthank. The spectacle renders her unbalanced. This is more than Dominey can bear and he goes on a long travel and drinking binge spanning years. Dominey’s wife threatens to kill him if he ever returns. The second character is Baron Leopold von Ragastein, a German nobleman. Von Ragastein has fallen into disrespect with the Kaiser for his affair with a Hungarian princess and subsequent killing of her nobleman husband in a duel. He is banished to a minor government position in East Africa as punishment. A chance encounter between Dominey and von Ragastein in German East Africa sets the pretext for the story. Von Ragastein returns to England as Dominey, to regain his position in society, and serve Germany by influencing England to keep out of the coming conflict. There is one problem however: there are some, including Dominey’s wife, who are not convinced that Sir Everard Dominey is really who he claims to be. You will need to listen to the end to determine the truth.
(Summary by Tom Weiss) (8 hr 7 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
David R. Smith
(5 Sterne)
As always well read. Great drama mystery intrigue love unfulfilled lost loves and historical viewpoint of east Africa before the onset of WWI- long languid story taking place in the high society of the London and country estates of the U.K... Absorbing story with excellent dialogue as always... Thank you!
it kept me going til the end!
Ana
(5 Sterne)
the twist was clever and effective --.was so hoowi ked that i found my self developed sympathy for the enemy!
Connie T. ;
(5 Sterne)
An excellent book. Never sure how it would end until the very last sentences were read. The narration is one of the best. I highly recommend.
Caroline
(5 Sterne)
Wonderful story, great reader. This is my third or fourth Oppenheim book, perhaps my favorite . Engaging mystery set in the years leading to World War I, with well developed characters, picturesque settings, delightful romance, suspense, and a great twist ending. I also enjoyed the Yellow House and Curious Quest. I look forward to another Oppenheimer book.
(5 Sterne)
Over the past several years I have come to appreciate both the author who opens a door into European pre WW1 English life and history. But, also, I have come to appreciate the articulate presenter who really knows the value of proper pronunciation and punctuation marks. This reader is a pro.
Bravo from Borneo
Lord Jim
(5 Sterne)
Bravo! I can see why this book was acclaimed at the time and considered one of EPO'S best. Strong characters, subterfuge, espionage, romance and a wonderful twist at the end. As always Tom Weiss does an excellent job narrating this novel.
The Great Impersonator
Keith Horvath
(5 Sterne)
Twists, burns & intrigue between England and Germany. Great characters & interesting secrets with a surprising end .
Another great job by Tom Weiss
Avid Listner
(5 Sterne)
Tom Weiss does a terrific job getting the listener through this complex intrigue