The Little House

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Alix Dunmore

Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

It was easy for Elizabeth. She married the man she loved, bore him two children and made a home for him which was the envy of their friends.

It was harder for Ruth. She married Elizabeth’s son and then found that, somehow, she could never quite measure up...

Isolation, deceit and betrayal fill the gaps between the two individual women and between their different worlds.

In this complex thriller, Philippa Gregory deploys all her insight into what women want and what women fear, as Ruth confronts the shifting borders of her own sanity.

Laying bare the comfortable conventions of rural England, this spine-tingling story pulses with suspense until the whiplash double-twist of the denouement.

©2010 Philippa Gregory Ltd (P)2024 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'Fiendishly plotted...this is Gregory at her most chillingly convincing.' (Cosmopolitan)

'This brilliant psychological chiller...is utterly, nail-nibblingly plausible. You will relish its explosive climax and be gripped through to its final, superb, double-twist finish.' (Daily Mail)

'Insidiously gripping.' (The Independent)

Fantastic ending!

In the true spirit of Ms. Gregory this is a book of great detail and high emotion with an ending of triumph that I applauded at the end with a smile.

Loved it!

Can't fault it. Lovely from beginning to end. If you don't know what you want to listen to, go for it.

Loved it - PG does it again

Don’t typically like books written about more modern times but gave it a try because of Philippa Gregory. Wow. I am in love with this author she can tell an amazing, twisted tale about any era. I’ve probably either read or audibled 90% of her titles and this one was as catching as all of her books. If you’re hesitant about the era it’s written about, don’t be…you’ll love it.

Great job, Phillipa!

I've long been a fan of Phillippa Gregory whose ability to wind together beautiful narratives with rigorous research is well known. This foray into modern fiction is a triumph! Her illustration of the abuse done to women through misogyny and patriarchy is all too real and deeply felt. This is particularly painful when wielded by another woman. I predict that this book is going to be taught in Literature classes for future generations.

Loved it!

I’ve enjoyed all of Phillips’s novels and this one doesn’t disappoint. Wickedly brilliant and entertaining. Couldn’t put it down.

This book was a ride

The tension and unnerving behaviors of the characters was a fantastic portrayal of human flaws. As a new mother myself, I have been exposed to some of these behaviors from “well-meaning” individuals though not to this level. I was angry for her but the end was so wildly and satisfyingly perfect.

Great twist!

I really enjoyed the elements of the story when you’re not really sure who the good guy or the bad guy is. There’s a lovely twist near the end that was, especially satisfying! I will say no more, but this was definitely worth the listen! 

Evil MIL

Wondered when it would happen and how. Not many books I’ve read or listened to made me dislike a character as much as this one-others not as easily liked either.

What comes around, goes around

Loved this frustratingly amazing story! Silly and convoluted but somehow quite relatable. As always Ms Gregory doesn't disappoint. Another well written riveting story!!

Great story

Great story about how a woman with manipulating, overbearing in-laws and a sexist spouse overcomes them all. It’s very unsettling and also delves into how misunderstood postpartum depression was just 25 yrs ago.