Sodom and Gomorrah

SODOM AND GOMORRAH is the eighth in Naxos AudioBooks' adaptation of REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST. In this volume, our narrator, Proust, visits the coastal resort of Balbec for a second time and observes the homosexual behavior of his acquaintances. Neville Jason makes vivid distinctions among the singular characters, such as the aging Baron de Charlus, the insouciant violinist Charles Morel and the pretentious Mme. Verdurin. But Jason is particularly skillful in portraying Proust's dramatic shift from observer to participant when he discovers his beloved Albertine's preference for women. The abridgment is excellent--the mood and progression of the text are enhanced by a marvelous selection of piano and violin music--and the reader feels not the least bit cheated out of the whole--only, perhaps, the regret in having to wait, with a Proustian longing, for the next recording in the cycle. J.H.L. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

October 15, 2012
In this fourth volume of his epic, "Remembrance of Things Past", Proust examines and explores homosexuality in early 20th-century French society. While self-identified as a homosexual, Proust was always careful to define his narrator (and alter ego) in his writings as a heterosexual observer. Still, his great interest, compassion, and understanding of the double-faced lifestyle required of homosexuals of his milieu are beautifully detailed here. Neville Jason, well known for interpreting previous Proust recordings, is once again reading from the 1922 Scott Moncrieff translation. VERDICT Although this program is well done, why not record the newer and well-received John Sturrock translation for a different take on the story? Recommended for individuals interested in early 20th-century classic fiction with a lot of time to listen.--I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Technical Coll., Boone, IA

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