A Woman of the World

By: Rebecca Gilman

Narrated by: Kathleen Chalfant

Meet Mabel Loomis Todd, an inspired conversationalist who routinely invites scandal and ignores the rules of 19th century society. Now in her 70s and living on Hog Island in Maine, the outspoken writer and editor is holding court, entertaining us with musings on her colorful life, spilling secrets, and revealing the truth about how she turned Emily Dickinson into a household name. In an intriguing performance, Obie Award winner Kathleen Chalfant embodies the spirit of a fascinating woman whose legacy is forever linked to one of America’s most celebrated poets.

A Woman of the World was originally produced by the Acting Company in association with Miranda Theatre Company. Written with the support of an artist residency at Hog Island Audubon Camp.

Written by Rebecca Gilman
Performed by Kathleen Chalfant
Directed by Valentina Fratti

©2020 Rebecca Gilman (P)2020 AO Media LLC

Performance worth it!

Fabulous! Musings on the private lives of very public figures, by a woman who has seen it all. I don’t know how much is true and how much embellished, but I loved the performance. It was witty and poignant — I savored every word like a fine confection. Love love love! Audible Originals has really stepped up their game lately.

Need to read biography first

You really need to read the biography of this woman first. This story is based on facts but it doesn’t make much sense if you don’t know anything about her beforehand. I wish I had known that. The narrator was excellent.

Dull

More of a story about a self absorbed story teller. Not the worst I’ve heard, but thankfully it was short

What??

The performance was amazing. The content? Well... As a quick and free audio book was ok.

Emily Dickinson

This is a story about Mrs. Todd who seems to be having a talk to an audience and is talking about her relationship with Emily Dickinson. Really struggled to listen to this to the end. Rather a strange and not interesting to me story.

wow

that was interesting. I truly felt sorry for Millicent!
what a crazy life she led!

Entertaining and Unusual Story

Told from the point of view of an aging woman who is supposedly giving a talk about the writing of Emily Dickinson, the narrator instead tells about her affair with Emily's brother. With this unusual approach, the story draws you in. The narration gives the story the life it deserves. It ended too soon.

Good quick listen

Engaging story. Sharing memories weather true or imagined they drew in the listener describing relationships between complex neighbors. I enjoyed the story,

Don’t Listen Seeking Insight on Emily Dickinson!

This isn’t about Emily Dickinson. She’s just part of the setting of the story. An excellent performance of a somewhat cryptic script - how much of what the character says is true, how much exaggerated and how much false? - the narrator character isn’t particularly likable, but the interest here is in the unspoken, which is difficult to pull off in an audio piece and isn’t entirely successful. However, a worthwhile short listen that is certainly thought provoking.

Well worth an hour of your time

This story is based on a fictional talk supposedly delivered by Mabel Loomis Todd, and it captures the spirit of this gifted raconteur and self promoter perfectly. The frank sexual references are probably anachronistic for a woman of that time (late 1800's to early 1900's), but the reader, Kathleen Chalfant, does a brilliant job of bringing the character to life and making me feel like I was really in the audience listening to it. The book also inspired me to revisit some of Emily Dickinson's poems.