Showing results by narrator "Flo Gibson" in All Categories

These are the valiant and lyrically descriptive letters, written in 1873, by Isabella Bird, a courageous and spirited Englishwoman, telling her sister of her adventures on horseback over 800 miles of American wilderness.

A communal experiment in living a utopian pastoral life is shared by lively, beautiful Zenobia, lovely, gentle Priscilla, their demanding leader Hollingsworth, and Miles Coverdale, but their dreams are interrupted by the realities of human imperfections.

This powerful story of passion, adultery, honor, and repression caused a tremendous controversy in 1850 when it was published, because of its provocative subject matter. Set in Puritan New England, the novel begins with Hester Prynne, a young woman with an illegitimate baby daughter, leaving prison to face her scornful townsfolk. Forced to wear a scarlet letter "A" to remind people of her adultery, Hester obstinately holds her head high and refuses to reveal the father of her child.

Many consider this rich social commentary to be Jane Austen's finest novel. It is certainly among her more famous ones. Austen sets her entertaining study of manners and misconceptions against the backdrop of a class-conscious society in 18th century England.

Jane Eyre, a young orphan, leads a lonely life at a boarding school until she's old enough to take a job as a governess for the wealthy and mysterious Mr. Rochester. Over time, she falls in love with her stern employer, but happiness still eludes her - even on her wedding day. What is the mad secret Rochester is hiding?

With humor and compassion we enter the world of a small seacoast village located in northern Maine, where courage and caring are beautifully exemplified.

This wonderful introduction to Greek mythology includes the tales of Perseus, Theseus, the Argonauts, and Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece. This particular edition also includes Kingsley's description of the "Twelve Labors of Heracles".

Set in Ireland, the upper-class courtship of Lord Ballantine for Fanny Windham and the lower-class romance between Martin Kelly and Ann Lynch meet with many obstacles.

When Mary Lennox is transplanted from India to England's Misselthwaite Manor, she is utterly miserable. She spends long, lonely hours hiking across the dark Yorkshire moors, or wandering through the gardens of the manor. Then, one afternoon, the wind blows aside a curtain of ivy to reveal the hidden entrance to a previously unknown garden. The secret place takes root in Mary's imagination and the friendless girl becomes determined to find a way into the garden.

One of Jane Austen's most complex and mature works, Mansfield Park shows the writer at the top of her form, tackling the manners and customs of early 19th-century society with wit and irony that still resonate with readers two centuries after the book's initial publication. Flo Gibson's compelling narration gives perfect voice to the trials and tribulations of Fanny Price, sent at a young age to live with her rich relations.

Silas Marner is a member of a small Christian congregation in Lantern Yard who is accused of stealing the congregation's funds while sitting with a very ill elder of the group. Embittered by the false accusation, Silas retreats to his loom and to count his hoard of gold. The loss of his treasure and the arrival of a foundling child eventually teaches him what being truly rich means.

The dreams, pranks, misfortunes, and courtships of the March girls form a charming family portrait.

Catherine Earnshaw's passionate statement reveals the core of Emily Bronte's tempestuous literary masterpiece. Meeting as children, Catherine and Heathcliff begin a relationship that grows into obsession as family, class, and fate work against them as much as their own jealous natures.

At age 18, Jane Austen wrote this, her first novel. It is the story of the lives and loves of the two Dashwood sisters - the discreet and wise Elinor and the reckless, passionate Marianne - who pursue love and happiness around the pillars of genteel society.

Anne Elliott foolishly let true love slip through her fingers when she allowed herself to be persuaded that the man she adored was an unacceptable candidate for marriage. Now, after years of carrying a torch, Anne finds herself confronted by the dashing Wentworth, newly returned from years at sea. In this, her final novel, Jane Austen savagely skewers the rigid social sensibilities of the day with brilliant satire.

The narrow escape of Eliza, the brutality of Simon Legree, the sweetness of little Eva and the kindness and faith of Uncle Tom are all part of this inspiring novel. This audiobook contributed significantly to the arousal of anti-slavery sentiment before the Civil War and helped to pave the way for civility and equal rights. Please be advised that this audiobook contains racial epithets of the period that may be offensive to some of today's listeners.

James considers this book to be his masterpiece! Various "ambassadors" are sent to Paris to persuade Chad Newsome to return to his New England town and attend to his business interests there. One of these envoys, Lambert Strether, is so impressed with Chad's suavity and charm that he advises him to stay with Mme. de Vionnet in France.

Charming, loving Clara Amedroz is involved with two suitors. How she deals with this dilemma is full of humor and very moving.

Lady Mason's trial for forgery and perjury shocks the neighborhood. A cast of unforgettable characters views her with disdain, compassion, and disbelief. And then there are the love stories....

This is the story of the mystical travels of Diamond, a coachman's son, through distant lands and strange events while riding on the back of the beautiful North Wind.