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The Small House At Allington

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About this listen

Exclusively from Audible

The spirited Lily Dale, who longs to be loved, is devastated when her fiancé, the self-interested Adolphus Crosbie, jilts her for the aristocratic Lady Alexandrina. Although heartbroken, Lily still loves Crosbie and believes she must remain single despite him being unworthy of her affections. Even when the more deserving John Eame presents himself, she is still unable to see past her feelings for Crosbie.

Meanwhile, Lily's sister Bell is also under pressure to marry for money, not for love. With an array of wonderful subplots, this audiobook is full of subtle humour as well as heartbreak.

The Small House at Allington is the fifth audiobook in the series known as the Chronicles of Barsetshire and as usual, Trollope shows his skill at analysing the thoughts and emotions of his characters, a craft that makes them appear truly life-like. Each character feels human, even Crosbie who also suffers himself for the mistakes he makes. Trollope possesses the ability to take everyday events and turn them into a gripping tale.

The novel was written at the height of Trollope's popularity and contains one of his most admired heroines, Lily Dale. Former British Prime Minister, John Major, declared it his favourite book, propelling it back into the limelight in the 1990s.

Narrator Biography

Timothy West is prolific in film, television, theatre, and audiobooks. He has narrated a number of Anthony Trollope's classic audiobooks, including the six Chronicles of Barsetshire and The Pallisers series. He has also narrated volumes of Simon Schama's A History of Britain and John Mortimer's Rumpole on Trial.

Timothy West's theatrical credits include King Lear, The Vote, Uncle Vanya, A Number, Quarter, and Coriolanus and his films include Ever After, Joan Of Arc, Endgame, Iris, and The Day of the Jackal. On television, Timothy has appeared in Broken Biscuits (BBC), Great Canal Journeys (across 3 Series), and the regular role of Stan Carter on EastEnders (BBC).

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
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It is best to start this review with a note of gratitude to Audible. It was a stroke of genius to commission Timothy West to perform both the Barchester and Palliser series of Novels by Anthony Trollope. (I used the word ‘perform’ deliberately.) And so to ‘The Small House at Allington’; my fifth listen in the Barchester series of six novels. The performance given by Timothy West is compelling and commanding in its all-embracing triumph. I doubt you can truly perform a novel successfully without understanding it and being in sympathy with it. West’s voice skills are endlessly creative. He manages the transitions between scenes of tragedy and comedy with seamless ease. His voice characterisations are a joy. It is in Trollope’s greatness that he can craft a novel where the internal thinking, justifications for action, and feelings with such trueness. It is my favourite listen (so far) of the thirteen Trollope/Timothy West novels that I have in my Audible library. I would warmly recommend West's performance of this satisfying novel. Also, to note that these performances often appear in the wonderful audio-book sales that Audible make available to members. They should be snapped up greedily.

Triumph!

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Incredible that a book written 160 years ago about marriage and relationships can have such resonance today. Timothy West’s reading adds to the colour, wit and irony of Trollope. Misunderstandings and personal misjudgments impact on family and friends. I loved the strong and assertive women willing to own their futures against expectations.

Victorian novel has messages for us too.

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Between Trollope and West, there is a wonderful symbiosis. Let the performance brilliance of Timothy West carry you though the less political story and visit those places where choice and personal pride cost people.

Sit back relax and enjoy a treat!

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Hugely enjoyable. Trollope's humour and sharp observation of character is superbly brought out by Timothy West's superb narration.

Utterly delightful

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A riveting story, read with skill and excellence. Fabulous. I did t want it to end

A joy

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