The First Actress

Gabrielle de Cuir's luminous narration transports listeners into the turbulent life of acclaimed nineteenth-century French actress Sarah Bernhardt. So many elements of an absorbing historical audiobook are present here--the Parisian settings, multilayered character portrayals, complex family dynamics, romance, and complicated issues concerning religion, war, and personal ambition. De Cuir takes full advantage of them to deliver a mesmerizing listen. Her versatile narration smoothly shifts among the numerous male and female characters--including Bernhardt's family members, actors, aristocrats, courtesans, and writers Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, and Oscar Wilde. De Cuir imbues each personality with razor-sharp intensity and authenticity. Her accents are impeccable, and she keeps a steady pace as she unfolds this lavish story. M.J. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award � AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine