The Odd Women

By: George Gissing

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

"What is more vulgar than the ideal of novelists? In real life, how many men and women fall in love?" So says Rhoda Nunn, George Gissing's formidable heroine. Through a gripping and thought-provoking story, Gissing presents the reality for Victorian women: a society in which marriage is judged to be the only acceptable way forward. His perspective is strikingly sympathetic for its time, and as such the novel has an exhilarating freshness far removed from the contemporary sentimental romantics.

The young Monica Madden cries for two days before her marriage to Edmund Widdowson; the ensuing claustrophobia, which opens the door for the more desirable Bevis, contrasts with Rhoda's independence - yet Rhoda's own principles are tested when she falls in love rather by accident....

The Odd Women is a remarkable book, ultimately optimistic in its hope for a societal shift that will benefit both men and women alike.

Download the accompanying reference guide.Public Domain (P)2020 Naxos AudioBooks

How different the two Main characters were.

I liked the making of the characters and the narrator did an excellent job individualizing them. A good book overall.

Juliette Stevenson makes this bearable

Of course, Juliet Stevenson is the best, I choose lots of books based on the ones she narrates. However, even Juliet couldn't redeem the story. It is trident, didactic, boring, and the characters are not the least bit interesting. I made it through about halfway, but the conversations are so tedious and convoluted. Finally decided I couldn't take it anymore when I realized I had a headache. Cannot recommend this title.

Outstanding story

First, Juliet Stevenson. She could read an ingredient list and I would listen! As for the story, incredible! So timely, such a current topic so many years later. Men and women, love and marriage, what does it mean? What does it not mean?

Excellent novel beautifully read

This novel deserves to be better known I liked best the subtle psychological insights. The reader is superb, especially with voices that express character.

Give it time

Worth the listen. Juliet Stevenson is a marvel! She makes the pages come alive. What happens to the women who don’t marry at a time in history when the options were so few. A daring and bold take on love in and out if matrimony