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Shirley  By  cover art

Shirley

By: Charlotte Brontë
Narrated by: Anna Bentinck
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Publisher's summary

Set in the industrialising England of the Napoleonic wars, a period of bad harvests, Luddite riots, and economic unrest, Shirley is the story of two contrasting heroines and the men they love. One is the shy Caroline Helstone, trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of a Yorkshire rectory, whose life represents the plight of single women in the 19th century. The other is the vivacious Shirley Keeldar, who inherits a local estate and whose wealth liberates her from convention.
(P)2007 Isis Publishing Ltd.

What listeners say about Shirley

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best story I have listened to in years

I still can't believe this book has escaped me for nearly fifty years...it's now my favorite from Charlotte Bronte. For me, this story sort of has it all: great, sympathetic characters, many different story threads that come together beautifully, compelling protagonists, historical context, a bit of mystery, a bit of love story, terrific narration, and an excellent pace.

I look forward to listening to this again very soon.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Captivating window of time

This story takes into account a time in the life of a community. It is in the Brontë style of including upper and lower classes and how they are brought together. Each class is shown their pride and zeal for life as they toil daily to survive. There are many characters and taking a role in the community. The heroine is bold but it is nice to see the roles of men and women and how each affectionately respect the other. The hero is also bold, but made to rethink his station and purpose for himself and others. The language wonderfully displays the characters and their schemes. And it allows for a poetic play in words and morals.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb narration!

Anna Benting’s narration is superb and captivating. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to this classic tale.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not my favorite bronte, but definitely worth read

This was a little tiring at times but i still enjoyed it. by tiring i mean that it felt slow and there were times when i realized i wasnt listening and had to go back. that said, the narrator was good, and still the story line is nice and definitely worth reading. villette is still my recomended favorite of Charlottes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

great listen

loved it, reader excellent, Bronte superb, enjoy English history and literature, combination is very entertaining

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Greenhagen

Shirley is a rich tale with depth of character and storyline!! I enjoyed every character and turn of events!! ❤️ Oh if language and sentences were structured as in the time of the Brontë sisters!! 🥰

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Boring story

It was rather boring although the reading was quite good. It was boring then exciting than boring than exciting. I cannot wait for it to be over.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

My love of the Classics

I recently fell in love with classic novels (less than a year) & I have found Charlotte Bronte's novels superb. The use of descriptive language makes me realize how much we (as a society) have lost with the growth in technology. No one utilizes language in this imaginative manner anymore! Shirley is an excellent, heart-warming novel. It is the perfect companion to any task or hobby.

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20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

a better listen than read

This was proof to me of the value of audiobooks! I picked up my paperback of "Shirley" several times over the last 20 years but never got past the introductory chapters. As a listen, I very much enjoyed "Shirley" as a 19th century novel-romance and for the characters and the commentary on women's roles. I was disappointed in it as an "industrial novel," but I guess it's the best the experience a Bronte could furnish. I thought Gaskill's later "North-South" was a better example of that sub genre, but I do not find Gaskill's novels as satisfying a reading (or listening) experience.

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19 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Charlotte Bronte is my favorite

Charlotte Bronte is by far the most elaborate story teller. I love her so much. I started reading classics kinda late, and she's brought me into a whole world I long to explore very deeply. It feels like she's writing just for you

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1 person found this helpful