The Warden

September 2, 2013
This first novel in Trollopeâs classic Chronicles of Barsetshire series pits reformer John Bold against Septimus Harding, the precentor of Barchester Cathedral and warden of Hiramâs Hospital, an almshouse supported by a bequest to the local diocese. As Bold works to expose the fact that more of the charityâs income goes to Harding than to its bedesmen, he begins to take a romantic interest in Hardingâs youngest daughter, Eleanor. In this audio edition, narrator David Shaw-Parker delivers a winning performance that keeps listeners engaged throughout. With a deep, accented voice Shaw-Parker brings this 19th-century novel to life. His timing and tone are spot-on and he creates distinct voices for the bookâs many characters.

Hearing Nigel Hawthorne's reading of The Warden is like attending fine theater. In the opening scenes Septimus Harding's sinecure as warden of Barchester hospital's twelve bedesmen is being questioned by young reformer John Bold--a situation complicated by Bold's love for the warden's daughter. Hawthorne's portrayals are so vivid that we see the interplay of characters--from the arrogant archdeacon, Dr. Grantly, and the London lawyer, Sir Abraham Haphazard, to the illiterate stonemason, Abel Handy. In this gentle satire Hawthorne transports us to the predicaments of a mid-nineteenth-century world. And when the curtain falls, we're relieved and delighted that the mild and honorable warden has prevailed. J.H.L. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


One of Trollope's most notable works tells the story of a clergyman who is set on doing right in the face of a judgmental legal system and press. Narrator David Shaw-Parker's reading is both thoughtful and sympathetic to the events of the story. With his mastery of British accents he captures the 12 temperamental bedesmen of Hiram's Hospital. His portrayal of the kindhearted warden is humble and warm while that of the grand Archdeacon Grantly is boisterous and commanding. Trollope's own narrator is not to be forgotten, and Shaw-Parker pays special attention to this strong authorial presence. His reading suggests a clear understanding of the tone and subtle intrigue of this Victorian novel. D.M.W. (c) AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine