Pippin Héristal is peacefully enjoying life as an amateur astronomer when the French government suddenly decides it needs a king—and Pippin is the rightful heir to the throne. Narrator Jefferson Mays perfectly captures the dry wit of Steinbeck’s political satire. Mays relays Pippin’s stoicism as he dutifully accepts his role. Mays also portrays every character perfectly—from Pippin’s wife, Queen Marie, to his wayward daughter, Clotilde. As Pippin encounters his subjects, from aristocrat to peasant, Mays’s crisp, fast-paced speech and American accent accentuate the story’s humor. His perfect pronunciation of the few untranslated French words will be appreciated by French-speaking listeners. A delightful listen—especially appropriate for this turbulent election year. M.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine

Enchanting satirical comedy ... highly amusing ... entrancing.

By the Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature


Enchanting satirical comedy . . . highly amusing . . . entrancing. (Saturday Review)

Pippin Héristal is peacefully enjoying life as an amateur astronomer when the French government suddenly decides it needs a king—and Pippin is the rightful heir to the throne. Narrator Jefferson Mays perfectly captures the dry wit of Steinbeck’s political satire. Mays relays Pippin’s stoicism as he dutifully accepts his role. Mays also portrays every character perfectly—from Pippin’s wife, Queen Marie, to his wayward daughter, Clotilde. As Pippin encounters his subjects, from aristocrat to peasant, Mays’s crisp, fast-paced speech and American accent accentuate the story’s humor. His perfect pronunciation of the few untranslated French words will be appreciated by French-speaking listeners. A delightful listen—especially appropriate for this turbulent election year. M.M.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine