Peter West

By: D. E. Stevenson

Narrated by: Nick McArdle

Length: 5 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Beth Kerr is the daughter of the boatman in the small village of Kintoul. Her mother died at an early age, after an unhappy marriage that caused her family to cast her aside.

As the years pass, Beth grows into a beautiful young woman, watched over by the quiet Peter West. The owner of Kintoul House, Peter is a lonely man with a weak heart and few family members and friends. They both struggle with their feelings for one another, before being forced to embark on marriages decided upon by their families.

But will their lives follow the paths set for them, or will they find their own way?

©1923 D. E. Stevenson (P)2009 Soundings

A breeze from the past

If you could sum up Peter West in three words, what would they be?

Thoughtful, tragic, restful

What did you like best about this story?

The different twists of the plot. At certain points, you think you have it figured out - another

Which scene was your favorite?

Where they meet on the hill. I could almost reach out an touch the hills, and the feelings of the characters is poignant.

If you could rename Peter West, what would you call it?

A gentleman through the years....

Any additional comments?

Today we would consider this a period piece since it was written before WWII. Peter West is one of Stevenson's first published novels. She wrote more than 40 books throughout her lifetime, from the late 1920's into the 1960's. Over that time frame, her style evolved a bit as did the perspective, tone, and style of the world around her. I was especially glad to be able to listen to this audiobook as it is not available in print anymore and hard to find.

I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys books of this place and period - Great Britain in the early part of the last century. Stevenson's books are

EARLY D E STEVENSON

Melodramatic, without Stevenson's later humor and light touch. Too much angst and too much of the author telling us about the characters rather than allowing the reader to discover them. The narrator does a fine job.

Not the best Stevenson

On the gothic and bleak side (though with a happy ending, as one expects of D.E. Stevenson -- this is not a spoiler). I'm afraid the book lacks the charm of her later works. I did stick with it to the end, though. If you've never read anything by this author, I strongly suggest you begin elsewhere -- perhaps with Miss Buncle's Book or The Four Graces.

Scottish romance

interesting but inter-war story. not exactly my style of book but my wife loves the author an I thought I'd give it a try

Different than expected

After reading some reviews I expected a complete disappointment. Did not happen. I agree it needed more and is not one Stevenson's best but it was still an interesting story with some unexpected developments. The language is quite rich and beautiful at times. I did not love the narration.Nik McArdle was great as long as he did not have to do a female voice. I could not stand his attempt at Beth. Why is it that female narrators can do male voices so much better than male narrators attempting female voices?!

Kept me guessing

Even though it's not my favorite Stevenson, I didn't figure out how things would work out till the end. I loved Nick McArdle's performance.