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The Grasmere Journals

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The Grasmere Journals

By: Dorothy Wordsworth
Narrated by: Emma Fielding
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About this listen

This is perhaps one of the best-loved of all journals. William Wordsworth's sister, Dorothy, began it in May 1800 and resolved to keep it for a short time. She continued it for nearly three years.

In it, she brought the Dove Cottage years to vivid and intimate life. She noted the walks and weather, the friends, country neighbours, and travellers on the roads. She set down accounts of the garden, of Wordsworth's marriage, their concern for Coleridge, and the composition of Wordsworth's poetry.

Readings of some of Wordsworth's poems form the last part of this recording.

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Having lived in this area for 2.5 years recently, it would have been lovely to have had a more detailed account of life in the Wordworth's time. Such a lost opportunity. Rather repetitive, especially regarding the weather.....Easy listening regarding content and narration but had it not been written by Dorothy Wordsworth it would not have made it into print for dullness.

Interesting but could have been so much more.....

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A comforting, calming diary of the Wordsworth's domestic life.

It is a diary of the everyday and of routine - taking a walk, collecting and sending letters, receiving guests and drinking tea, household tasks. There is rarely a dramatic event, and on the surface there is little in terms of personal depth. However, over the diaries we see Dorothy's devotion to her brother William, and various friends, through her everyday support and activity.

Emma Fielding's narration is perfect, and the accents she scatters across the reading are done well.

Comforting and charming diary of the everyday

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Light enough to be interesting but not interesting enough to be overly engaging. Absolutely perfect for a sleepcast! Love it.

Perfect For Sleep!

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It’s a beautiful meandering, meditative insight into the life of Wordsworth & his sister. Enjoyed it enormously!

Beautiful observations

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This is a beautiful book in which Dorothy Wordsworth notes down the everyday details of her life in the countryside at the beginning of the nineteenth century. How lovely to hear the happy innocent words of a contented person. The first chapter gives a very helpful introduction to set everything in context. The narration is perfect as is the sound quality. Emma Fielding has a lovely accent, warm and gentle, perfect for this book. The introduction at the beginning and the poems at the end are read by Kenneth Cranham and Alex Jennings; these are beautifully read and I think that even people (like me) who don’t usually like poetry will enjoy them. Amazon gave me this audiobook free of charge but it is definitely worth buying. I will listen to it over and over again.

Relaxing and delightful

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