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Shirley

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Shirley

By: Charlotte Brontë
Narrated by: Anna Bentinck
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Summary

 Set in the industrialising England of the Napoleonic wars, a period of bad harvests, Luddite riots, and economic unrest, Shirley is the story of two contrasting heroines and the men they love. One is the shy Caroline Helstone, trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of a Yorkshire rectory, whose life represents the plight of single women in the 19th century. The other is the vivacious Shirley Keeldar, who inherits a local estate and whose wealth liberates her from convention.(P)2007 Isis Publishing Ltd. Classics Fiction Historical Fiction England
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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Anna Bentinck reads superbly including accents.

I had forgotten what Shirley was like or maybe I have changed. Such a patchwork of romance, even arch comedy (had never heard "enthronisation" before); the cry of the unvalued governess and the wishfulfilng( for the author perhaps) drawn out Belgian love affairs; the feminism on one hand and the need to to be conquered; the tears, the suffering and oh the joy and fine profiles and complexions; with a bit of violent class conflict; industrial revolution and church commentary, and Lady Audley's secret made right, in such colourful and flighty language.

Jane Eyre this is not, but it is a fascinating, wandery jumble of things with two love stories, beautifully read.

Feisty Wish Fulfillment Beautifully Read

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To my mind Shirley is Charlotte Brontë best novel. This narration is brilliant. Highly recommended

Much praise

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a good story on the whole but a bit long winded, some unnecessary details

A prolonged tale

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THIS BRONTE STORY I DIDN'T KNOW OF SO I WAS SCEPTICALE BUT ENJOYED GREATLY THANKS TO ALL.

A DIFFERENT CLASSIC BROUGHT TO LIFE

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Well narrated. Bentinck captures the right tone and makes distinction between the characters by giving him or her a different voice and accent. I like this, because I do not get confused about who is speaking and it makes the novel more animated. In addition Bentincks (first person) narrative mode is pleasant, not nasal e.g.

Very nice to listen to

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