Cranford

De: Elizabeth Gaskell

Narrado por: Prunella Scales

Duración: 6 h y 45 m

Resumen del Editor

Exclusively from Audible

A vivid and affectionate portrait of the residents of an English country town in the mid-19th century, Cranford describes a community dominated by its independent and refined women, relating the adventures of Miss Matty and Miss Deborah, two middle-aged spinster sisters striving to live with dignity in reduced circumstances.

Through a series of satirical vignettes, Gaskell sympathetically portrays changing small town customs and values in mid-Victorian England, in a community governed by old-fashioned habits and dominated by friendships between women. Her wry account of rural life is undercut, however, by tragedy: with such troubling events as Matty's bankruptcy, the death of Captain Brown and the unwitting cruelty of Peter Jenkyns.

Gaskell was an accomplished writer who had many of her stories published in Charles Dickens' magazine Household Words. She was also friends with Charlotte Brontë and after her death, her father, Patrick Brontë, chose Gaskell to write The Life of Charlotte Brontë.

Narrator Biography

Prunella Scales is a classically trained stage actress but is best known for her role as Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) and for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in A Question of Attribution (1991), for which she was nominated for a BAFTA.

Her film appearances have included Stiff Upper Lips (1997), Howards End (1992) and Wolf (1994). She was awarded the CBE for her services to drama in 1992 and the Patricia Rothermere Award for her contributions to British Theatre in 2001. More recent appearances have included the mini-series The Shell Seekers (2006), a production of Carrie's War at the Apollo Theatre (2009) and Horrid Henry: The Movie (2013).

Julian Barnes’ The Lemon Table and Anne Fine’s Charm School are among the many audiobooks Prunella Scales has narrated.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

An absolute delight !

Such a wonderful little story ! It might be said that nothing much happens, and if you are looking for plot-driven entertainments, you won't find it here. This is a story about the ladies ( and a few men ) of Cranford, in a time and society that are in the past. This lovely story celebrates the kindness and goodness of people, even as it also sees the humor in the eccentricities of its characters. If you enjoy the world of Jane Austen, this comes very close. And, perfect narration !

Slow but beautiful

This is a slow moving novel that beautifully portrays life in a Victorian small town, where delicacy is the order of the day despite poverty. It isn't tragic, but there is a sense of gentle sadness about the stifled lives of the ladies of Cranford and their lost chances.

Delightful

A charming glimpse at a world long past, beautifully read. I highly recommend it to any lover of Victorian literature.

Wonderful Story

Wonderful story, funny and sweet! I love Miss Mattie! Narrator, Prunella Scales has done an excellent job! The movie “Cranford” is a treat. I will read anything by Elizabeth Gaskell. She is right up there with Jane Austen imho.

my cup of tea

An old-fashioned, charming comedy of manners. Some reviewers have found the story to be slow; I call it relaxing. Beautifully narrated. (I did have to slow down to 80% speed.)

Quietly, subtly sweet and heartwarming

If you don't listen closely, you may miss the subtle sweetness of this heartwarming tale. There were times, mostly in the beginning, when my mind wandered and I became impatient with the seemingly trivial accounts of this Cranford lady or that. But I'm SO glad I kept listening, and had the opportunity to get to know and love Miss Mattie! What an example of the embodiment humility, kindness, and justice she is! The only other Elizabeth Gaskell novel I've read is "North and South." I loved it, and was expecting something similar from "Cranford." The novels couldn't be more dissimilar when it comes to plot and pace, but when it comes to highlighting the beauty of human decency, both do an excellent job.

Read the book

Where on earth did the script for the TV series come from? Someone’s imagination certainly not Elizabeth Gaskell’s. Prunella Scales narration was wonderful to listen to I wish she would do the Mapp and Lucia series.

Wonderful story masterfully read

Prunella Scales is brilliant - each character comes alive in their own distinct voice. Masterful.

As always Gaskell provides a charming and moving story of a small and intimate society.

A Delightful Story

While listening to Cranford, I felt as if I had joined the community myself. This book truly welcomes its listener to enjoy the comforts of the Cranford people and their stories.I would recommend this book for all seeking solace within the confines of two covers!

Charming

I loved this story only wished it were longer. The narrated was excellent. It was heartwarming and funny and the characters endearing .