A Fair Barbarian

By: Frances Hodgson Burnett

Narrated by: Anne Hancock

When wealthy young American Octavia Bassett appears at her aunt's door, she not only surprises that timid lady but the entire English town of Slowbridge as well. It's as if Daisy Miller had been dropped into Cranford... without the dire result.

Slowbridge's customs have been set in stone by Lady Theobald, who has decreed that young ladies should always wear white muslin to social events and that their only decoration should be fresh flowers - which invariably wilt by the end of the evening. Enter Octavia, bedecked in yards of lace and ribbons and with a profusion of diamond jewelry. She is soon informed that only married ladies wear diamonds in England. She makes other mistakes: Young ladies do not ask men to join them on terraces; they do not invite men to play croquet on their lawns. Even the mention of her Nevada home town (Bloody Gulch) sends shock waves through the population.

Happily, Octavia is a generous, kind-hearted girl who takes none of this too seriously. It's not her fault if a snobbish gentleman is smitten with her, and she is happy to make friends with a shy girl (the dreaded Lady Theobald's granddaughter), who admires her forthright ways.

At times as light and frothy as one of Octavia's gowns, A Fair Barbarian joyfully satirizes the gulf between late Victorian manners and customs in England and America. Frances Hodgson Burnett (best known for The Secret Garden and A Little Princess) spent most of her life split between the two countries and had a unique and amusing perspective.

Public Domain (P)2021 Anne Hancock

This is not her best book.

Little Lord Foltenroy is definitely the best book she wrote. And although it’s sweet and humorous. It’s not such a feel Good book as the secret garden.

What Fun!

I so enjoyed this charming comedy of manners read by the incomparable Anne
Hancock. Thank you , Audible, for this fine offering.

Loved it

Had never heard of it before and took a chance. loved the story and the narrator ♥️

"...Daisy Miller dropped into Cranford"

Anyone who smiles at that line from the preface will enjoy this book by one of the most under-rated authors of her time. This is light and frothy tale with interesting characters, humorous bits of cultural misunderstandings, and an unexpected romantic ending. Perfect for a lazy evening, and well read.
It is also available on Librivox, though it is economical here and no annoying chapter announcements.

A Very Pleasant Story

Well-narrated, upbeat, and charming. A lovely, civilized option in the library. Snuggle up in a comfy place and be soothed.