Charlotte Fairlie

By: D. E. Stevenson

Narrated by: Hilary Neville

Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

Charlotte Fairlie is a successful, elegant career woman. Still in her 20s, she has landed a job as headmistress of her old school. She is admired and liked by both staff and pupils - but she begins to feel there is something missing in her well-organised life.

Then one summer she goes to stay with a young pupil on the remote Scottish Isle of Targ. In the romantic atmosphere of the Highlands, anything can happen - and even the cool, efficient Charlotte surprises herself...

©2008 D. E. Stevenson (P)2008 Soundings

Career or romance

D. E. Stevenson is an author who is unsurpassed at creating believable characters that the reader cares about. Charlotte Fairlie is a delightful book about a woman who is a success in her career, as head of an English girls school. Then a chance for romance enters her life. What choices will she make? But the story of Charlotte is only part of this book. The secondary characters, both the good and the bad add to the delight of this book. And Hilary Neville does a great job bringing the characters to life. Listen to this book, then look for other books by D.E. Stevenson. Her world is a delight.

A good "read"

I read this book a number of years ago but didn't remember a lot of the details. It is delightful, as all the author's books are. The reader did an exceptionally good job. I appreciate Audible.com having books by authors like this who are not necessarily known by the mainstream of listeners.

As a "comfort read," I just love this book

I was surprised how much I loved this book. The story is old fashioned and a little choppy, but the main character is so decent and likable it's hard not become engaged with her life decisions.

When I was young, I was a big fan of boarding school stories this book is from the perspective of the head of such a school. Another plus for me.

If you're looking for a gentler type of book, but not one that's insipid, I highly recommend this.

Narrator's splendid rendering of a lovely story

I already knew I loved Charlotte Fairlie, having read my paper copy several times. But what makes this so special is Hilary Neville and her splendid rendering of a lovely story. I feel she captures the very essence of talented author D.E. Stevenson's voice...I feel as though this special author is really speaking to me, telling me a wonderfully engaging story earnestly and truthfully. I am VERY happy with this recording, and sorry I didn't play it sooner. It is destined to be re-listened to a couple times a year.

Another lovely book by D. E. Stevenson

What made the experience of listening to Charlotte Fairlie the most enjoyable?

Ms. Neville's voice was perfect for each character, especially Charlotte. Slight scottish brogue.

What did you like best about this story?

The character of Tessa was beautiful.

What about Hilary Neville’s performance did you like?

Ms. Neville has a gentle voice, annunciates well and has a nice lilt to it. She performs all characters well.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The character of Tessa was so lovely, she is intuitive and bright with fresh and gentle honesty. I was moved at the tenderness of Tessa's father also.

Any additional comments?

A very lovely story of charcters with character. Stevenson paints a lovely picture of an isle in Scotland that is wonderful and bright.

Soothing Vacation or Mid-Year Read

D.E. Stevenson's books are not great literature, but they are the perfect antidote for a tired mind desiring a gentle book. Her characters seem like real people, both the likeable and the unlikeable, and their problems are the problems of the ordinary person. Hilary Neville did an excellent job of narrating the book and seemed to retain the feel Stevenson was after. If you like the Miss Read books, you most certainly will enjoy "Charlotte Fairlie."

Charming all around

Charlotte Fairlie is a book that though understated, brings a warm mix of mystery, romance, English countryside and all around charm. I immediately identified with Charlotte, a sensible woman seeking a secure place in the world and doing well. Little does she know her world is about to turn upside down. I loved the contrast between her careful, tactful, organized life at the beginning of the story and the wild freedom of the Scottish island of Targ. Simply lovely!

A Fun and Enjoyable Lighthearted Story

The D.E. Stevenson books are enjoyable fiction for long commutes, lazy summer days, and snuggly winter nights. The author's books hearken back to the writings and genre of Jane Austen, including interesting (and sometimes eccentric) characters and a romantic theme.

A Wonderful Story

I had read this book several times and loved it. It is beautifully read and listening enriched my appreciation of the story. Once again D E Stevenson creates wonderful. Comes characters with her simple beautiful writing.

Charming

Beautiful story, well produced. I think this is D. E. Stevenson's best book in my opinion. I highly recommend this recording.

A very enjoyable read

A fascinating look at a the head of a girls school with charming relationships and breathtaking contrasting backgrounds. I loved the very real children in the story, and their joys and sorrows too. The villains were well drawn to add that drama and suspense they bring to any story .

Delightful

Having enjoyed the Miss Buncle series so much, I decided to explore other books by the same author. I was not disappointed. The story was charming and drew me in. Interest was sustained throughout. It is so nice to have adult books without any of the filth that modern authors seem to believe it necessary to include (e.g. language).
One thing I found interesting was the amount of smoking going on! And it seems to be made a matter of course! But I suppose that is due to changing times and attitudes towards the habit. I noticed this in the Miss Buncle lot too.