The Good Soldier: Penguin Classics

Ford Madox Ford

Jun 2020 · Penguin Classics · Narrated by David Shaw-Parker and Billy Howle

About this audiobook

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Billy Howle, known for his roles in Dunkirk, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and On Chesil Beach. This definitive recording includes an introduction by David Bradshaw.

The Dowells, a wealthy American couple, have been close friends with the Ashburnhams for years. Edward Ashburnham, a first-rate soldier, seems to be the perfect English gentleman, and Leonora his perfect wife, but beneath the surface their marriage seethes with unhappiness and deception. Our only window on the strange tangle of events surrounding Edward is provided by John Dowell, the husband he deceives. Gradually Dowell unfolds a devastating story, in which everyone's honesty is in doubt. This extraordinary novel of passion and betrayal is a masterpiece of narrative skill and emotional depth.

About the author

Born in Devon in 1873, and educated in England, Germany and France, Ford changed his original surname, Hueffer, in 1919, after having served with the British army in World War I (1914-1918). He wrote over 60 works including novels, poems, criticism,travel essays and reminiscences, Ford also edited the English Review (1908-11) and the Transatlantic Review (1924, Paris). THE GOOD SOLDIER (1915) is considered his masterpiece. From 1927 on Ford lived in the United States and in France.