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Publisher's Summary

Guy de Maupassant, (1850 - 1893), a native of Normandy, wrote in a bold and vigorous style that moves inexorably along clear plot lines. He had an astonishing capacity for creating believable characters, and he wasted little ink in putting his stories in motion. Maupassant was a master of "le mot juste", waiting until the perfect word came to him before setting his thoughts to paper. He was one of the first truly modern writers, and today his stories still resonate with enthusiasm and originality.

  • In "Boule de Suif", set during the Franco-Prussian war, a group of French citizens attempt to flee Paris, but are detained in a small town unexpectedly by a Prussian officer who is attracted to Boule de Suif, a woman of ill repute. The attraction is not mutual and the Prussian obstinately keeps everyone at the inn. The basic instincts of clergy, middle class, and aristocrat are forced into the open as they plot their escape.
  • In "At Sea", two brothers become entangled with the elements and greed aboard a fishing vessel.
  • In "An Old Man", a self-centered old man carefully keeps tab of how other residents at his retirement home die.
  • In "The Piece of String", when suspicion falls on a villager, he discovers that reputation weighs more heavily than fact.
  • "Rust" is a very amusing tale of a hunter who falls in love only to discover a certain problem.
©1999 Audio Connoisseur (P)1999 Audio Connoisseur
Anthologies Short Stories Classics
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Critic Reviews

"The one long story and four short ones...perfectly illustrate Maupassant's lyrical yet somber view of life as a morality play in which virtue seldom triumphs. Charlton Griffin brings a classically trained voice to the readings. His rhythm conveys the varying emotional atmospheres beautifully, and each character has a distinct voice." (AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Short Stories of Guy de Maupassant, Volume 1

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Profile Image for Sher from Provo

A great find!

I loved these quirky little stories. They are beautifully written, and full of irony. Sometimes they are funny, and sometimes they are sad. Both types teach great lessons. I have to admit I started this book over the moment I finished it the first time--it is short. I'm glad I did because I understood the meaning of the stories so much better the second time. I have volume 4 waiting for me, and I hope to fill in eventually with volumes 2 and 3. What a great find!

Charlton Griffin is, of course, one of the best narrators of all time.

1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer

An Oscar for audio books!

Hollywood would be well advised to create a new Oscar category: audio books. I might even begin to watch the Academy Awards show again if there were a chance to see Charlton Griffin hugging one of them golden statues. It might give the by now somewhat weary spectacle what it so badly needs - a touch of class.
Anthony Pour

6 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for William E. Hendry

Enjoying Re-reads With Different Narrators

I have heard these stories by other narrators in Audible. It is like never having heard them before and so is a delightful re-fill of a master writer. Charlton Griffin has his own unique twist which I enjoy.

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Profile Image for Alicia Czechowski

Stupid! Music blaring along through the narration

Who are the incontinent producers who can't resist spoiling an excellent narration with background music? This fine reading of The Stories of Guy de Maupssant was spoiled for me by the unnecessary, unsuitable and highly disttracting music grinding away. Why can't we have honest straight-forward narration by fine narrators without some egotistical "producer" sticking their incompetent fist in?

5 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael

With musical accompaniment

The narrator often uses silly voices. There is musical accompaniment at many crucial points.

The stories included are:

Boule de Suif
The Piece of String
At Sea
An Old Man

11 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Patrick Cronin
  • Patrick Cronin
  • 03-22-22

Brilliant

Studied some Maupassant short stories many years ago in French Class in school. Thoroughly enjoyed revisiting his savage world.