Scarlet and Black

Young Julien Sorel, one of the greatest characters in European literature, tries to rise above his humble peasant origins through a combination of talent and hard work - but also seduction, deception, and hypocrisy. The story is set in 19th-century France and is filled with sex, violence, romance, and humour.
Recently a BBC-TV serial starring Alice Krige, this audiobook is read by one of the stars of the TV film, Martin Jarvis.