Sybil

or The Two Nations

By: Benjamin Disraeli

Narrated by: Tim Bentinck

In Sybil, or The Two Nations, social activist, political reformer, and twice-prime minister Benjamin Disraeli tells the love story of a young working-class woman and a newly elected nobleman.

While on a visit to the manufacturing towns of the north, aristocrat Charles Egremont encounters beautiful Sybil Gerard singing in the grounds of Marney Abbey. Graceful and angelic, Sybil Gerard is a symbol of religious purity. He also meets her father, a working-class radical, who tells him about the division of England into two nations: the rich and the poor.

Moved by the episode, Egremont investigates the conditions of the working poor and witnesses the disturbing after-effects of the Industrial Revolution. He attempts to address the deep disparity, while falling increasingly in love with Sybil; however, his courtship is pitted against growing political unrest and violence caused by the calamitous two-nation divide.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2019 Naxos Audiobooks

Wonderful reader

Historically fascinating. So rich. A wonderful and horrific window into a specifically English paternalism that positions itself as radical.

Fantastic!

Masterful period piece. A perpetually relevant history lesson embedded in a riveting and beautiful story!

Almost great

I like the characters in the novel, I liked the plot and the I thought the writing was excellent. What is in the book that just barely missed for me? I believe I wanted the characters more thoroughly developed. I had a good sense of who they were, I simply did not either identify with them nor feel them passionately. It seems that in 19 hours the author might have pulled that off. His focus I believe was creating a historical drama that serves as a warning. It is unbearably accurate in reminding us the 1% have either been with us at least a long time if not always.
Keep in mind, however as you evaluate my words, I read as many classics as I can find {or reread} because they almost invariably far surpass contemporary work. Disraeli's 4 is very much worth reading

Still relevant today

I don’t know why this book hasn’t come across my desk before now, but I’m glad it finally has. The style is typical for the time it was written, but the message is still enlightening both as a portrait of a historical period and as an insight into social issues we still face today. Well worth the time, and great pairing with a narrator who slips into the background as the characters take on their own voices.

unable to finish

could not even grab my attention, was unable to finish. It may be a good book if you could get past the terrible intro.