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The Rise of Silas Lapham

By: William Dean Howells
Narrated by: Jim Killavey
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Publisher's summary

William Dean Howells was born in Martin's Ferry, Ohio, of Welch, Irish, and German forebears. Along with Mark Twain, he was one of the great novelists of his time. This book, the realisic saga of the rise and redemptive fall of an American tycoon, is considered to be his best novel.
©1997 Jimcin (P)1997 Jimcin
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Editorial reviews

William Dean Howells' 1885 novel follows the rags-to-riches story of Silas Lapham, who earns his fortune in mineral paint and builds a fashionable home in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood. In spite of his newfound wealth, Lapham isn't as successful at navigating the hierarchy of high society, which he hopes will be remedied by his daughter's marriage into an aristocratic family. Jim Killavey performs with a stentorian force and gives the characters a slight New England accent, perfectly setting the scene of this American classic's view of the tensions surrounding old and new money.

What listeners say about The Rise of Silas Lapham

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

excellent book, poor reader

This engrossing book was made stiff and slow by the reader. The story of a self-made man, his aspirations and his family's trials and triumphs is timeless. A classic like this book deserves a good reader to bring the language and mores into the present. I almost gave up listening because of the robotic reading.