Madame Chrysantheme


Read by Peter Tucker

(4.1 stars; 10 reviews)

Pierre Loti (a nom de plume) was for many years an officer in the French Navy, giving him the opportunity to sample and analyze different national and cultural milieux, in which he deeply immersed himself. The present book, said to have formed the basis for the famous "Madame Butterfly" story, is presented as an autobiographical account of his marriage to a young Japanese woman while his ship was stationed in Nagasaki. His style is surprisingly modern for the period, perhaps anticipating Camus. His descriptions of summer in Nagasaki have a detail which is at the same time personal and detached, while his observations of the people are less than sympathetic. A sense of ennui and lack of conventional morality pervades. (Summary by Peter Tucker) (5 hr 4 min)

Chapters

Dedication and Introduction 4:30 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters I-III 40:01 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters IV-XI 39:48 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters XII-XXIII 29:26 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters XXIV-XXXIII 39:15 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters XXXIV-XXXVI 35:12 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters XXXVII-XLVI 47:05 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters XLVII-L 30:37 Read by Peter Tucker
Chapters LI-LV 38:08 Read by Peter Tucker

Reviews

Amazing!


(5 stars)

First, I cannot review the book without a first comment on the narration which, is so incredibly good it’s in a class by itself! Absolutely flawless! The story is a very interesting and a first person look into a time in history that few people ever have. Unlike another reviewer, I don’t see it as racist but just how the world was at that particular time period. The French sailor, who’s story this is, is incredulous and often appalled at all he sees and experiences. A very welcome and worthwhile look back in time.

Excellent reading


(5 stars)

I listened to this while sanding my deck. In the end I decided the wood was too degraded and infested with termites, and after all that sanding I tore the first deck boards out as I listened to the final chapters, as Pierre says his final farewells to his temporary friends in Nagasaki. I am looking for more from this reader.

little racist, but good read


(3 stars)

first and foremost, reader did a great job. content provides authors insight into Japanese culture. writing style is easy and good


(3 stars)

This is a diary of a French sailor on his stay in Nagasaki Japan--he gives his observation of the city and its people.