a true classic

beautifully read, a wonderful set of characters depicting all life whether in 1930 or now

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Evocative

I had goosebumps as the ending was read. A fantastic story with convincing characters. I’ve gardened, cleaned and thinned my wardrobe whilst listening - a moving story to potter to. I will definitely re-listen to this at some stage.

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Wonderful!

An excellent story of English life before the Second World War with memorable characters and thought provoking political ideas. Perfectly and movingly narrated. I really enjoyed it.

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A new favourite listen

I had not read any Winifred Holtby books before reading and listening to ‘South Riding’. What a pleasure to hear Carole Boyd giving a voice to the myriad of Yorkshire characters. This is one audible book I will most definitely listen to again and I shall look for more narrations by Ms Boyd.

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Absolutely wonderful

I read South Riding when i was still at school but had forgotten completely the story. When I saw that it was available on Audible with it being read by Carole Boyd it was an opportunity too good to miss. The story although being set in the 1930s didn’t seem as dated as it might have been. Carole Boyd made the book really accessible using all the vocal change of characters done so brilliantly. Was sorry when it ended although I did get slightly confused with the characters starting with S. Will listen to it again definitely.

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Writer and reader - perfectly matched

Another classic I had somehow managed to avoid and which I don't think I would read, but as an audio book it is perfect.

I have so enjoyed being led through the small-town local politics, family dramas, big and small, and human observations of the South Riding in the 1930s. No character is sketchily drawn - they all have their moment and the economy of description is so good. I enjoyed the inter-twined plots very much.

Carole Boyd is my favourite female reader. It seems effortless to her (I am sure it's not!) and she adds a great deal to the overall enjoyment.

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2 people found this helpful

highly recommend

Loved it! The narrator had such a great range of expression and the story has really stood the test of time

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2 people found this helpful

A tad long, but excellent

I understood that this was the author’s only novel, a Magnum Opus written in the two years before her death at 37 from an incurable disease. It is a bit on the long side, but an enjoyable listen nevertheless. A lot about politics in a small Yorkshire town, which is not exactly exciting or entertaining but certainly an eye-opener as to how things were a century ago. Characterizations we’re excellent and believable, and some women were appropriately depicted strong and assertive, except in love were they are a bit pathetic. One really gets the huge cultural and economic division, and the powers exercised by the upper classes over the lower.
The reader was superb!!!

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An unexpected surprise

A really enjoyable story which when I bought it I didn’t have high hopes for! We’ll worth a listen. Some very likeable characters.

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Why Did I Leave It So Long?!

For some daft and unknown reason I’ve previously shied away from this book, have no idea why I’d mentally put it in the ‘Not For Me Pile’. What a fool! I ADORED it and it’s one of those books I know that when I reread/relisten will bring something else to me at that forward time. The narration is without doubt the best I’ve ever heard, each character brought to life in their vivid glory! Oh that Winnifred Holtby could have lived to see its success and imagine her listening ! What delight she’d have felt I am sure. What I could shake off was how current the issues in this book still are today. The wranglings of the political system are laid bare for all to see, is any one ‘side’ ‘better’ than the other…..? It demonstrates with an expert eye that they all have their faults and so much depends on the strength of character of the individual rather than which ‘side’ they are on. This has rocketed to the top of my favourite books, an utter delight!

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