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The Flight of the Maidens

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The Flight of the Maidens

By: Jane Gardam
Narrated by: June Barrie
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About this listen

This delightful novel describes the post-war summer of 1946 - and follows the growing-up of three young women in the months between leaving school and taking up their scholarships at university. Una Vane, whose widowed mother runs a hairdressing salon in her front room, goes bicycling with Ray, the boy who delivers the fish and milk. Hetty Fallowes struggles to become independent of her possessive, loving, tactless mother. And Lieselotte Klein, who had arrived in 1939 on a train from Hamburg, uncovers tragedy in the past and magic in the present.

©2000 Jane Gardam (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fiction Historical Fiction Romance Women's Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant

Where does The Flight of the Maidens rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Near the top of any list.

What other book might you compare The Flight of the Maidens to, and why?

'The Ruffian on the stair' read by Bill Wallis. Superbly drawn characters, all of them, even the minor ones

Have you listened to any of June Barrie’s other performances? How does this one compare?

She is a superb narrator, clearly differentiating the characters and being consistent throughout. - it is apparent that she has done a lot of reading/preparation before committing to tape.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It reminded my of my own end-of-schooldays and preparation for university.

Any additional comments?

I have recommended the book to several friends. Some listened via Audible, some read hard copy, all greatly enjoyed it.

Jane Gardam never disappoints

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I liked everything about the story - one of Gardam’s best.
My only reservation concerned the Cumbrian accents - sounded more Yorkshire. Otherwise, superbly read.

The characterisation of the three girls

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The three main characters were so engaging and so real. Captured so well that vulnerable freedom you have between leaving school and college and the early days post war. I loved this book. Have enjoyed others by Jane Gardam but this is my favourite. Narrator excellent too

Great listen!

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The girls all different but sharing a scholarly disposition deal with later teenage in their own ways. Beautifully written with emphasis on character like the Old Filth trilogy.

Great narration and dialect voices

Wonderful trip through lives of 3 girls

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I loved everything about it. Characters, parallel plot lines and historical contexts. The narrator was so talented and vibrant. Every voice totally realistic and varied.

the narrator was extraordinary

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