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The Water-Babies

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The Water-Babies

By: Charles Kingsley
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

A classic since its first publication in 1863, The Water-Babies is the story of a little chimney sweep named Tom and his magical adventures beneath the waves. The ill-treated Tom flees his dangerous toil and his cruel master, Grimes. When he jumps into a cool stream to clean the soot off himself, he becomes a water-baby, cleaner and happier than he has ever been, in a hidden fairy world. There, Tom meets haughty dragonflies, makes friends with a slow-witted lobster, and dodges hungry otters. Eventually, he meets the other water-babies and their clever rulers, Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid and Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby. After a long and arduous quest to the Other-end-of-Nowhere, young Tom achieves his heart’s desire.

Public Domain (P)1998 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Linguistics Social Sciences Classics

Critic reviews

“Everyone who has an interest in the exuberant, eclectic, ecological, and erotic aspects of Victorian literature should know this book…[A] delightful and important work of Victorian children’s literature.” (Naomi Wood, Associate Professor of English, Kansas State University)
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I found the book blended into the background. nothing much really happens and there isn't really much character development.

Nothing really happens in the story!

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I had this book as a child, I loved it for the beautiful glossy pictures, but never actually read it. I still have this book at age 52, so decided it was time to give it a listen. The narration was great. The story, well to say its strange is an understatement. I guess for a child there are lots of hidden lessons within the different chapters, but I actually thought Charles Kingsley was probably taking drugs whilst writing the second half! yes, I'm aware it's a fairly tale, but a very bizarre one at that. I'm glad at last I know the story.

A bizarre story

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Editing us a bit sloppy but if you can allow yourself to overlook a few instances of casual racism the intentions of the story are good.

Good story but with a few bits of antique racism

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I enjoyed this but found it a bit weird!

My best bit was when he stole the sweeties from the water fairy.

weird!

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I’ve not heard this lovely classic since I was a child. It is still magical and well worth listening to as an adult.

Delightful

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