cover image Molly Bloom’s Soliloquy

Molly Bloom’s Soliloquy

James Joyce, read by Marcella Riordan. Naxos AudioBooks, unabridged, two CDs, 2.5 hrs., $17.98 ISBN 978-1-84379-624-4

Narrator Marcella Riordan turns in a virtuoso performance of the famous final chapter of Joyce’s Ulysses, in which Molly Bloom—wife of the book’s protagonist—reminisces about her relationship with her husband. Bloom’s monologue is one of the most emotive and sexually charged passages in the book and this audio edition proves compelling. The extended soliloquy is an intimidating text to narrate, but Riordan is more than up to the task. She brings Molly—and her long, stream-of-consciousness speech—to life, hitting a variety of emotions (everything from indignation and lust to romantic nostalgia) as she traces her thoughts as they wander through her memories. (May)