This is the story of Ellen Brewster, pretty little daughter of shoe-mill workers in a Northeastern US town of the late 19th century. After the mill shuts down, her family struggles to make ends meet, but as the years pass, Ellen grows up into a prize pupil and pride of the community. The story also covers the birth of the American labor movement and the relationships between rich and poor.
61 episodes
The author of Frankenstein returns with her take on an Austen novel. The mother is proud, the father has many vices, yet the aristocratic name must be kept. Even more so when lord Lodore dies. His wife and daughter find themselves without protection. This novel is conserned with gender equality, education and social justice. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
55 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. Deel 2: In dit deel maakt Hillegonda aanstalten om te gaan trouwen met haar kapitein.
19 episodes
This book continues Sentimental Tommy, also in the Librivox catalogue. Tommy grows up and marries Grizel. But life is not only roses and rainbows. This book has all the elements of a good love story, but it is also a book about growing up and finding out your distinct voice in the world. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
35 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. Deel 3: In dit deel wordt Hillegonda weduwe. - Summary by Marcel Coenders
19 episodes
"Policy and Passion, a Novel of Australian Life" tells the story about a father and daughter, torn between the policy of the country in which they live and the passions both have. The father, Thomas, is a rising politician until his love for a married woman changes the game while the daughter, Honora, falls in love with an English nobleman. But this is not only a love story. This novel tells about the early days of Australia, and tells the story of a whole community. It receives scholarly attention as a work about colonialism. - Summary by Stav Nisser
44 episodes
A selection of eight short works, chapters, or poems about Christmas. - Summary by david wales
8 episodes
Possibly Wilkie Collins' most famous novel, The Woman In White remade the Gothic Horror novel by taking its characters and tropes and setting them in commonplace surroundings among "people like us", Featuring unforgettable characters such as the incomparable Count Fosco and the redoubtable Marion Halcombe (a woman for whom male Victorian readers politely inquired of Wilkie the address as they wanted to marry her), The Woman In White with its compassionate treatment of those suffering mental distress ought to be credited with having put the cause of mental health care a hundred years ahead - had not Jane Eyre with its madwoman in the attic been generally credited with the reverse. Read it for the female doubling central plot device alone - a rare feature in the writing of men about women. - Summary by Tony Addison
38 episodes
Een levensbeschrijving van de ideale Hollandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw. In dit 4de en laatste deel sterft Hillegonda. - Samenvatting door Marcel CoendersAlle 4 delen van dit werk zijn nu te beluisteren via Librivox.
19 episodes
Na de beschrijving van de ideale Nederlandse man uit de 17de eeuw (Maurits Lijnslager) en de ideale Nederlandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw (Hillegonda Buisman) nu de beschrijving van de slappe en mislukte Nederlander uit de 18de eeuw. In dit eerste deel verliest Johannes na escapades in een bordeel zijn geliefde Antje Wijnstok en moet hij naar Suriname 'vluchten'. (Marcel Coenders)
Link naar deel 2
Link naar deel 3
Link naar deel 4
21 episodes
Orphaned Mabel struggles to raise her sisters by working as a sewing girl for long hours and low wages. She meets her challenges with a calm steady faith while her younger sister chafes against the injustice of their lot in life. She is determined to uncover the mystery she thinks is lurking behind their misfortune. This book will appeal to those who love intimate family dramas, light mysteries, scathing social commentaries, or sewing machines! ( Jennifer Fournier)
42 episodes
After the Civil War, Harriet and her husband Charles bought an Orange Plantation in Mandarin, on the upper east coast of Florida, where they lived during the winter months. Over the years they expanded their cottage to accommodate many guests (now a museum open to the public). They opened schools to educate and churches to care for the recently freed negros pouring into Florida seeking refuge and opportunity. These charming essays, each describing a largely undeveloped rural land, became one of the first travel guides written about Florida and stimulated the first boom of tourism and residential development to that area. Stow describes its waterways, flora and fauna, the generosity of the people, the lush abundance of flowers, farmer's efforts to develop crops, Negro relations with whites, correspondence with famous persons, etc. - Summary by Michele Fry
20 episodes
Susanna Holcombe, a very sensitive and free spirited young lady, tries to fit in to society. But it is very hard for a Victorian woman to carve her own path, and she is almost forced to marry colonel Dymond. This book tells about her trials and tribulations. Can she find her place at last? Perfect for fans of Mary Elizabeth Braddon and Anthony Trollope, and those who want a Jane Austen novel with a twist. Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie was the eldest daughter of William Makepeace Thackeray, author of Vanity Fair. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
48 episodes
Na de beschrijving van de ideale Nederlandse man uit de 17de eeuw (Maurits Lijnslager) en de ideale Nederlandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw (Hillegonda Buisman) nu de beschrijving van de slappe en mislukte Nederlander uit de 18de eeuw. Vrouwen, drank en vooral ook ijdeltuiterij brengen onze held bijna aan de afgrond van het graf. (Samenvatting door Marcel Coenders)
Link naar deel 1
Link naar deel 3
Link naar deel 4
17 episodes
Marcia Copley, an American Heiress, comes to Rome. Typically for the period, she may want to attract an aristocrat. He brings the title, she brings the money to support it. Her adventures in Rome are different than she anticipated. Rich and poor live side by side, and the author does her best to describe both walks of life vividly and truthfully. Jean Webster is the author of Daddy Long Legs and Dear Enemy. This particular novel would also please fans of Henry James and George Gissing. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
27 episodes
Isabel Carnaby returns from India. She starts looking for a place in upper class British society. At the begining, people are sceptical of her because she is an orphan. But she will surprise everybody. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
25 episodes
Na de beschrijving van de ideale Nederlandse man uit de 17de eeuw (Maurits Lijnslager) en de ideale Nederlandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw (Hillegonda Buisman) nu de beschrijving van de slappe en mislukte Nederlander uit de 18de eeuw. Johannes maakt in dit deel werk van een schoon, jong, fris Fries meisje .... (samenvatting door Marcel Coenders)
Link naar deel 1
Link naar deel 2
Link naar deel 4
17 episodes
A tribute to fatherhood by a little known author, - Summary by David Lawrence
14 episodes
This scene of 'Domestic Bliss' is from Poems of Cheer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. (Pub 1914) - Summary by David Lawrence
13 episodes
This pussycat is out to have some adventurous fun in this enjoyable fairy tale for boys, girls and parents. Summary by Lynda Marie Neilson
22 episodes
Na de beschrijving van de ideale Nederlandse man uit de 17de eeuw (Maurits Lijnslager) en de ideale Nederlandse vrouw uit het midden van de 17de eeuw (Hillegonda Buisman) nu de beschrijving van de slappe en mislukte Nederlander uit de 18de eeuw. Na deze drie kloeke boeken, en meer dan 100 luisteruren weten we eindelijk wat de identiteit was en is van de Nederlanders, Hollanders, Amsterdammers, Kaaskoppen of hoe je ze ook maar wilt noemen... Het zijn net mensen, dat waren ze en zullen ze tot in alle eeuwigheid blijven ... (Samenvatting door Marcel Coenders)
Link naar deel 1
Link naar deel 2
Link naar deel 3
19 episodes
This is a sequel to "Concerning Isabel Carnaby". Isabel and Paul Seaton are now happily married. This book tells about their trials and tribulations, their little son, and, of course, their love for each other. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
26 episodes
The final story featuring the inhabitants of the growing township of Innisfield: Mrs Philura Pettibone’s story reaches its long-awaited conclusion and Miss Malvina’s life is changed forever by the arrival of various ”fur’ners”. Published in 1917, with America’s entry into the war in Europe imminent, the story dwells on friendships, the melting- pot of nationalities that make up the USA, and the personal struggle between pacifism and patriotism in wartime. While the writing keeps its gently ironic style for most of the time, it also features more serious and sometimes rather melodramatic themes. - Summary by Anne Fletcher
Books in the series:
1 - The Transfiguration of Miss Philura
2 - Miss Philura's Wedding Gown
3 - The Heart of Philura
4 - Neighbors
31 episodes
This is the third book in The Chronicles of Barsetshire, the first two being The Warden and Barchester Towers; however, although some characters from the first two books are referred to, there is no need to read/ listen to them first to enjoy Dr. Thorne. It is mainly concerned with the romantic problems of Mary Thorne, niece of Doctor Thomas Thorne (a member of a junior branch of the family of Mr. Wilfred Thorne, who appeared in Barchester Towers), and Frank Gresham, the only son of the local squire, although Trollope as the omniscient narrator assures the reader at the beginning that the hero is really the doctor.Themes of the book are the social pain and exclusion caused by illegitimacy, the nefarious effects of the demon drink and the difficulties of romantic attachments outside one's social class. The novel also gives a vivid picture of electioneering and all the barely legal shenanigans that accompany the event. Most of the action takes place in a village of Barsetshire and a country house not far off.When their father dies, Doctor Thomas Thorne and his younger, ne'er-do-well brother Henry are left to fend for themselves. Doctor Thorne begins to establish a medical practice, while Henry seduces Mary Scatcherd, the sister of stonemason Roger Scatcherd. When Scatcherd finds out that Mary has become pregnant, he seeks out Henry and kills him in a fight.While her brother is in prison, Mary gives birth to a girl. A former suitor offers to marry her and emigrate to the United States to start a new life but refuses to take the baby. Doctor Thorne persuades her to accept the generous offer, promising to raise his niece. He names her Mary Thorne but wishing neither to have her illegitimacy made public nor to have her associate with the uncouth Roger Scatcherd, he keeps her birth secret. He tells Scatcherd that the baby had died.After his release, Scatcherd rises quickly in the world as a railway project undertaker. In time, his skills make him extremely rich. When he completes a seemingly-impossible important project on time, he is made a baronet for his efforts. Throughout his career, he entrusts his financial affairs to Doctor Thorne. When Thorne becomes the family doctor to the Greshams, he persuades Scatcherd to lend ever growing sums to the head of the family, the local squire, who has troubles managing his finances. Eventually, much of the Gresham estate is put up as collateral. - Summary by WikipediaNow read on . . .
47 episodes
First published in 1893, this novel came to question many subjects which were considered taboo. Through a few interconnected plots and sub plots, the story examines the role of women and the different opportunities women and men had. Through the twins of the title, a girl and a boy, and through two other ladies we discover the Victorian world in a different light. What does a woman have to do if, after marriage, she discovers very unsettling things about her husband's past? Yes, society expects her to stay with him and honor the marriage. But what if she is not willing? What are women expected to do when trapped in loveless marriages? The book also examine in many ways the idea that women are not inferior to men and should receive the same education, information about life, and preparation for the real world. This book received much academic attention. It is a must read for all feminist fiction admirers, history lovers, and many more from every field. It tells about Victorian society as it really was. - Summary by Stav Nisser.
96 episodes
The Bryant family - widowed Mrs. Bryant and her children Benjamin, Caroline ("Line" for short), and little Daisy - is on the thin edge of poverty due to debt incurred when Mr. Bryant was alive. We follow the family, especially Ben and Daisy, as they help shoulder some of the burden. Prominent in the story are children's dolls, which are the means to some of the family's income. - Summary by TriciaG
24 episodes
Ferns Hollow is the sad, but sweet story of a young boy who tragically loses his parents and has to care for his two sisters and crazed grandfather. He finds himself in many difficult situations which test his faith and courage. This book is about how he made it through many trials with God's grace and guidance, learning many life lessons on the way. - Summary by fiddlesticks
23 episodes
This is the story of Sydney Stuart who is sent to a girls' boarding school (to her disgust) with all its difficulties and adventures. Sydney Stuart and her school roomate/rival Bertha Macy vie for the friendship of schoolmate Anne Talbot. Summary by Lynda Marie Neilson
22 episodes
When country girl Polly Milton comes to visit her friend Fanny Shaw, city life isn’t all she had hoped it would be. Thrown in the middle of a dysfunctional family, Polly remembers the teachings of her wise mother, and does her best to plant seeds of cheerfulness, honesty, and respect -- and teaching virtue by example.
Four years later, Polly returns to scratch out a living as a music teacher, but finds herself mixed up in much more than piano lessons. Through heartache and love triangles, temptation and tragedy, Polly’s story shows that even the dreams of old-fashioned girls can come true.
20 episodes
This 1915 novella was published as the First World War raged. "Belgium lies bleeding. Across her level, lush meadows the harsh-shod hosts of war have marched. Beside her peaceful waters the sons of God have spilled each other’s blood. Beneath her noble trees have raged the fires of human hate. Her king and his brave warriors have fought to save that which was their own and, driven back, have left their smiling land to suffer the desolation which has ever been the conqueror’s boast. Her ancient cities smoke. The inspired craftsmanship of an elder day has been destroyed forever. Belgium lies moaning. Across the winter sea we have heard the wailing of men and women among their ruined homes—honest townsfolk, simple Walloon and Flemish peasants, who had borne no malice and had done no wrong. And amid the cries of anguish and despair there have come to me the weeping of a little girl named Lisa and the voice of a faithful dog whining for his master."
- Summary by Author's Introduction and David Wales
8 episodes
This is a self-contained story-arc over eight chapters from the pages of Steele Rudd's book "Back At Our Selection". The Synopsis: After being a shy bachelor for a number of years, Dave (Dad Rudd's second eldest son) has finally got married. To a "Girl from Town" named "Lily White". When she first arrives at "Ruddville", she and Dave's sister Sarah get on wonderfully. But after some months, friction between the two young woman sets in, and Dave and Lily seek to have a separate house of their own on the extensive Rudd property. But Dad, though now a prosperous farmer, started out with his wife and children in a two-room settler's slab-hut, and has a notion ... exacerbated by tightfistedness ... that all young folk should start out their married life like that and work their way up. So he finds, demolishes, carts, and re-erects a forty-year-old abandoned shack for his son and daughter-in-law. They acquiesce to accepting it, and in time even become rather contented there. But soon, Dave's mother-in-law arrives for a visit, and cranky old Dad Rudd finally meets his nemesis. - Summary by Son of the Exiles
Cast list:
Dad Rudd, Australian farmer - Patriarch of the Rudd clan: Son of the Exiles
Mother Rudd, wife of Dad Rudd: TJ Burns
Dave Rudd, son of Dad Rudd: Tomas Peter
Sarah Rudd, daughter of Dad Rudd: Linda Olsen Fitak
Lily White, newly married to Dave: Devorah Allen
Lily’s Mother - Dave's mother-in-law: Sonia
Joe Rudd, son of Dad Rudd: Nemo
Bill Rudd, son of Dad Rudd: Foon
Barty Rudd, son of Dad Rudd: Peter Musgrove
Jimmy Regan - Neighbour to the Rudds: ToddHW
Young Regan - Neighbour to the Rudds: Zoe Trang
Willie Wiley - Orphan boy adopted by one of Dad's neighbours: Foon
Mary Murphy - Daughter of one of Dad's neighbours: Leanne Yau
The Parson: Larry Wilson
Mrs Walker: Sandra Schmit
Building Contractor: Larry Wilson
Narrator: Beth Thomas
This project was finished during the March Challenge with the precious help of the following six volunteer editors (thank you all) :
Bhavya
Campbell Schelp
Chuck Williamson
JayS
linny
Maria Kasper
8 episodes
Dit boek beschrijft de loopbaan van een middelmatig ambtenaar, die dankzij de invloed en intriges van zijn twee echtgenotes de hoogste functies bereikt. Verwikkelingen rond positie, geld en erotiek, in innige samenhang, zo kenmerkend voor de Indische maatschappij, voeren ook hier de boventoon. - Summary by Dr. H.A. Poeze
20 episodes
The wry humor of Ellis Parker Butler, who gave us the classic Pigs Is Pigs, takes us into his own married life where Marthy and Hiram live quietly in their Colorado town. They don't have trouble with anyone of their neighbors. Why should they, as they don't have any kids that could cause the neighbors trouble? And oh, luckily they don't have kids because how could Hiram otherwise afford to give his wife, Marthy a new silk dress? Really lucky. The neighbors kids are cute and all but ugh, they are much better off without kids and their expenses and sicknesses and trouble. Except that one boy, well, he's cool, Hiram wouldn't mind having him around and teaching him how to fish. Or maybe the neighbors youngest daughter, shes so nice. All of this superiority changes when they expect a child of their own and then the poor little thing is born. Funny, poignant and oh, so true! (summary by Carolin and Phil Chenevert )
3 episodes
This is the third book of the Pixie O’Shaughnessy trilogy. In a story of love lost and found, Pixie matures from an inexperienced young lass into a wise woman. - Summary by Judith Mason
28 episodes
"La Regenta" está considerada la mejor novela española del siglo XIX y una de las más importantes novelas de la Historia de las letras en el mismo idioma tras "El Quijote" lo cual son palabras mayores. Pocas obras en castellano han generado tal cantidad de análisis y comentarios, y al mismo tiempo, han sido tan maltratadas por el poder político al habérsela considerado durante muchos años un texto de contenido impropio o inmoral. La obra aunque es extensa y en ella aparecen más de 100 personajes estupendamente retratados, está escrita de una manera ágil y sencilla, manteniendo al lector expectante, capítulo tras capítulo, describiendo el panorama de Vetusta y las circunstancias de Doña Ana Ozores, conocida como "La Regenta". Mujer bellísima pero inaccesible para sus pretendientes, estancada en un matrimonio aburrido pero de firmes convicciones virtuosas, es considerada por los vetustenses los vecinos como un monumento más de su ciudad. Los acontecimientos se irán precipitando hasta que los lectores, y toda la ciudad de Vetusta, presencien los avatares propios de la rivalidad entre Don Álvaro Mesía y el poderoso clérigo Don Fermín de Pas por conquistar su corazón y ... encantos carnales.
En este primer tomo (Capítulos del I al XV) cronológicamente transcurren tres días en la novela, en medio de los que el autor aprovecha para presentarnos los distintos personajes, el contexto y la trama de relaciones de los habitantes de la ciudad de Vetusta. El lector podrá conocer el origen y la historia de Ana Ozores, así como la geografía social de envidias, amoríos, traiciones y alianzas que animan la vida de esta ciudad equivalente a cualquier capital de provincia española.
26 episodes
The Luck of the Dudley Grahams is the story of the four Graham children and their recently widowed mother, trying to make ends meet by taking boarders into their somewhat eccentric home, as told by 17-year-old Elizabeth to her diary. She chronicles their struggles with the boarders, housekeeping on a very tight budget, and the adventures of her three younger siblings. If the category existed at the time, this would be more of young adult novel than a children's book, as Elizabeth has her moments of angst and worry about herself, her family, and their future. - Summary by Colleen McMahon
11 episodes
A charming family story told from the viewpoint of a nine-year-old girl. “You don't seem to understand," I whispered. "It's Christmas relationships that are worrying Carol and me so! It worries us dreadfully! Oh, of course we understand all about the Little Baby Christ! And the camels! And the wise men! And the frankincense! That's easy! But who is Santa Claus? Unless—unless—?" It was Carol himself who signaled me to go on. "Unless—he's the Baby Christ's grandfather?" I thought Derry Willard looked a little bit startled. Carol's ears turned bright red. "Oh, of course—we meant on his mother's side!" I hastened to assure him.” - Quote from the book.
12 episodes
"La Regenta" está considerada la mejor novela española del siglo XIX y una de las más importantes novelas de la Historia de las letras en el mismo idioma tras "El Quijote" lo cual son palabras mayores. Pocas obras en castellano han generado tal cantidad de análisis y comentarios, y al mismo tiempo, han sido tan maltratadas por el poder político al habérsela considerado durante muchos años un texto de contenido impropio o inmoral. La obra aunque es extensa y en ella aparecen más de 100 personajes estupendamente retratados, está escrita de una manera ágil y sencilla, manteniendo al lector expectante, capítulo tras capítulo, describiendo el panorama de Vetusta y las circunstancias de Doña Ana Ozores, conocida como "La Regenta". Mujer bellísima pero inaccesible para sus pretendientes, estancada en un matrimonio aburrido pero de firmes convicciones virtuosas, es considerada por los vecinos como un monumento más de su ciudad.
En este segundo tomo (Capítulos del XVI al XXX), tras tener el lector un adecuado conocimiento del ambiente y personajes el lector asistirá a una serie de avatares que trastornarán la vida de Vetusta y que intensificarán la pugna por las atenciones y el corazón de La Regenta entre el elegante seductor Don Álvaro Mesía y el astuto y elocuente canónigo Don Fermín de Pas. En el primer capítulo de este volumen Doña Ana Ozores se despierta exaltada tras un sueño placentero pero turbador que protagonizaba un hombre que no era precisamente su marido, Don Victor Quintanar... ¿Quién ocupará su mente? ¿Quién la conquistará? - Summary by Epachuko
28 episodes
Frustrated with life in the tenements generally and the negative influences on his children specifically, a father decides to move his family to the country, where they live off the land and breathe fresh air. - Summary by David Gore
45 episodes
A young society woman travels to the country to visit her aunt, only to end up as the unwilling guest of a neighboring family. The daughter is not so sure how to deal with this unpleasant circumstance. The young man of the household has met her before. Through them, she gains new perspectives on life, faith, and love. - Summary by LikeManyWaters
29 episodes
The prophet Al Mustafa, before leaving the city where he has been living twelve years, stops to address the people. They call out for his words of wisdom on many sides of the human condition, and he addresses them in terms of love and care. He has much to offer from his observations of the people, and he illustrates with images they can relate to.
The author, Gibran, was influenced by the Maronites, the Sufis, and the Baha’i. His philosophy, though deist, is primarily aimed at the good within ourselves, and the common-sense ways in which we can unlock it. An illustration from his chapter on Friendship:
“And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.”
The prophet’s gentle words have inspired their translation into over 108 languages. Listen to them with an open mind. You may find some burdens and frustrations hidden within you eased.
- Summary by Mark
7 episodes
"As the noblest attribute of man, family pride had been cherished time immemorial by the noble race of Rossville. Deep and incurable, therefore, was the wound inflicted on all its members by the marriage of the honorable Thomas St. Clair, the youngest son of the Earl of Rossville, with the humble Miss Sarah Black, a beautiful girl of obscure origin and no fortune." And so the stage is set for our plot, which focuses on the implications and complications of the return from France to Scotland of the Rossville widow and her daughter-heiress Gertrude, who must suffer the onslaught of relations and suitors as well as a mysterious, threatening stranger who plagues her mother. And while we suffer with Gertrude, who also may be in love with the wrong man, we enjoy a myriad of wonderful satiric portraits of the menagerie of minor characters in this lively story. (Summary by Jim Locke)
106 episodes
"He was a stranger in Matcham, a 'foreigner' as the villagers called such alien visitors. He had never been in the village before, knew nothing of its inhabitants or its surroundings, its customs, ways, local prejudices, produce, trade, scandals, hates, loves, subserviencies, gods, or devils , and yet henceforward he was to be closely allied with Matcham, for a certain bachelor uncle had lately died and left him a small estate within a mile of the village."
37 episodes
Harry Heathcote is an English ‘squatter’ who runs a huge sheep station at Gangoil in Queensland, Australia. His wife Mary and her older sister Kate live with him. Giles Medlicott owns a sugar plantation and mill nearby. Two of Harry’s former disgruntled employees, with the aid of other disreputable neighbours the Brownbies, deliberately start a potentially disastrous fire on Harry’s land. Medlicott comes to Harry’s support and the book follows what happens thereafter. - Summary by Simon Evers
12 episodes
Impetuous, self-centered Rhoda goes to boarding school and learns hard lessons. This is a story of recklessness and forgiveness. (Summary by JudiMason)
24 episodes
A nice little story about a widower, his 18-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son, and their vacation from their home in Colorado to the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There they meet some friendly locals, and... the story continues.
The reader picked up this book at a thrift store, saw it was out of copyright, and recorded it "sight unseen". It was worth the risk. (Summary by TriciaG)
18 episodes
“On the day the drafted men march away, Ruth MacDonald catches John Cameron's eye and waves to him. In the excitement of the moment they both forget the social barriers that lie between them and only remember they were schoolmates as children. From this a friendship develops that has far-reaching results. To Ruth, spoiled daughter of the rich, comes a new conception of life, of war, of love. To John comes tests of fire before he finds himself. Here is the absorbing romance of two people who searched through the devious paths of a warring world for fulfillment and happiness.” - Dust Jacket, 1919 Edition. Note: Chapter numbering skips XI, like the original chapter numbering in the first edition. - Summary by LikeManyWaters
19 episodes
In a nineteenth century Sicilian fishing village, the Malavoglia family gambles everything on being able to profit from a cargo of lupin nuts. The cargo is lost at sea and a succession of misfortunes and tragedies assails the family. A masterpiece of social commentary hailed within Italy but neglected by the wider world, The House by the Medlar Tree ranks alongside the works of Zola, Dickens or Balzac among the great books of European literature. The book is the inspiration behind the 1948 film 'La Terra Trema' ('The Earth Trembles'), one of the earliest works of the great Italian director Luchino Visconti. - Summary by Tom Denholm
20 episodes
Natalie Page is coming to visit her aunt and uncle in New York. Of course they want her around, but every social engagement is more important, even when she is ill. So Natalie starts to focus on small mysteries like her stolen bracelet, and observe the people around her. She writes a lot about their norms, habits and deeds. Would she be able to frive during her stay or would she always remain in the shadow of her socialite aunt and cousins? Would she be able to find herself? - Summary by Stav Nisser.
24 episodes
Dans cette compilation de 27 contes parfois tristes, horribles, marrants ou même fantastiques, Guy de Maupassant (1850-1893) montre de nouveau son talent dans l'art d'observer la vie quotidienne des gens et d'en créer des histoires surprenantes. Le contraste entre l'obscurité de la nuit et la clarté du jour y est reflété dans le comportement des hommes, dans leurs émotions, dans leurs actions.
Ce projet rassemble les 21 histoires contenues dans l'édition originale de 1885, les 5 histoires incorporées dans les éditions suivantes et une histoire inédite de l'édition de 1909. - Summary by Sonia
27 episodes
