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.