Rachel Ray

Anthony Trollope

Synopsis

Both Rachel Ray's mother and elder sister are widows. They live a quiet life in their rural village, under the shadow of the nearby town of Baslehurst. When Rachel's attractions catch the eye of Luke Rowan—a young man recently arrived in town to develop a brewery in which he has a commercial interest—reactions are varied. Her friends are jealous, her pious sister affronted; and Luke's status in the town suffers a blow. While the nature of Rachel's attachment to Mr. Rowan provokes speculation, the affairs of others in the town run their own course. Rachel Ray is a tale of obstacles to the course of true love, told in Anthony Trollope's gentle and well-observed style. Yet Trollope laces this otherwise unexacting narrative with probing explorations of personal morals, religious integrity, and even political prejudice. It might now seem remarkable that this innocuous novel should have been the focus of controversy when it was serialized, but Trollope's capacity to display the potentially hypocritical elements in Christian morality drew the ire of certain prominent ministers. If anything, the controversy only fueled its commercial success after it was published in a single volume. Since then, its charms have won for it a continuing readership, appreciative of the deft and delicate strokes with which Trollope depicts a few moments in the life of a Devonshire town. Anthony Trollope (died 1882) was one of the most distinguished authors of the Victorian age. Their work has endured across generations and continues to be read and studied worldwide. As a work of classic literary fiction, Rachel Ray exemplifies the narrative craft and social insight that defined great storytelling of its era. Literary fiction of this period was characterized by careful attention to character psychology, social milieu, and the moral questions that animated public discourse.

Disponible depuis: 19/05/2026.

Longueur d'impression: 476 pages.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

The Adventures of Roderick...

T. Smollett

An orphaned outcast, an unforgiving world, and a rogue's perilous quest for fortune and revenge.
Born to a wealthy family but immediately disinherited by a cruel, tyrannical grandfather, young Roderick Random is thrust into a world that wants nothing to do with him. Left penniless and vulnerable, he relies on his sharp wit, a fiery temper, and the occasional help of eccentric allies—like his fiercely loyal, cutlass-wielding sailor uncle, Tom Bowling. From surviving abusive schoolmasters and treacherous relatives to facing down murderous highwaymen on the muddy roads to London, Roderick's life is a constant, gripping battle for survival.
As he travels through the treacherous underbelly of 18th-century Britain, Roderick encounters a colorful cast of grifters, hypocrites, and swindlers. He must adapt quickly, learning the arts of medicine, deception, and resilience. But with no fortune to his name and danger lurking at every tavern and crossroads, will his relentless drive be enough to conquer a society designed to crush him?
Why you will love this: If you enjoy the episodic thrills of a classic Picaresque Novel, this foundational masterpiece is essential listening. Brimming with sharp social satire, dark humor, and unpredictable roguish adventures, the story offers an unflinching look at human nature, greed, and survival, firmly cementing its place as a cornerstone of British classic fiction.
About the Author: T. Smollett (Tobias Smollett) was an 18th-century Scottish author and surgeon whose experiences in the Royal Navy heavily influenced his gritty, realistic writing. He is celebrated for pioneering the English literary style of rogue adventure, inspiring future literary giants like Charles Dickens with his biting wit and unforgettable caricatures.

Voir livre

The Picture of Dorian Gray - A...

Oscar Wilde

What would you give to remain flawless forever? Would you trade your very soul?
In the decadent heart of Victorian London, the exquisitely beautiful Dorian Gray sits for his portrait by infatuated artist Basil Hallward. But when the cynical and charismatic Lord Henry Wotton introduces the naive youth to a hedonistic worldview, Dorian makes a terrifying, impassioned wish: that he might remain forever untouched by age, while his painted image bears the cruel ravages of time and sin. As Dorian plunges into a secret life of depravity, manipulation, and dark obsessions, his flawless face remains as pristine as an angel's. Yet, locked away in his attic, the portrait begins to warp into a gruesome reflection of his festering soul. Will his monstrous secret be discovered, or will the darkness consume him entirely?
Why you will love this: Masterfully intertwining suspense with profound moral questions, this is the pinnacle of Philosophical Fiction / Gothic Fiction. Fans of classic psychological horror, atmospheric historical mysteries, and stories of doomed protagonists will be utterly captivated by Wilde's biting wit and lush, evocative prose. It is a quintessential exploration of vanity, art, and the duality of human nature that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
About the Author: Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist famed for his brilliant wit, flamboyant style, and legendary conversational skills. As a leading figure of the Aesthetic movement, his works brutally yet beautifully critiqued Victorian hypocrisy, cementing his legacy as one of the English language's most enduring literary icons.

Voir livre

Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic...

Donald A. Mackenzie

In "Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe," Donald A. Mackenzie delves into the ancient myths, legends, and religious beliefs of the Minoan civilization of Crete and other early cultures that existed before the rise of classical Greek civilization. He examines the connections between these ancient myths and the broader mythological traditions of Europe. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the Minoan pantheon, the myth of the Minotaur and the Labyrinth, the worship of goddesses, the significance of bulls, and the role of religious rituals in ancient Crete. Mackenzie also explores the connections between the ancient Cretan civilization and other pre-Hellenic cultures, including those found in Ireland, Scandinavia, and ancient Britain. "Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe" provides interpretations, analyses, and comparative studies of these ancient mythologies, shedding light on the rich and diverse mythological heritage of pre-Hellenic Europe. It offers valuable insights into the religious and cultural practices of these early civilizations. While I can provide a general overview of the book, it is recommended to consult the actual work of Donald A. Mackenzie, "Myths of Crete and Pre-Hellenic Europe," for more specific details and a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Voir livre

Imaginary Portraits - Four...

Walter Pater

Four invented lives, each a study in what a mind does with beauty: a Watteau seen through a girl's diary, a Dutch philosopher, a German prince, a young Frenchman. Pater's conclusion to The Renaissance — that we should burn with a hard, gemlike flame — became the motto of the aesthetes and frightened him so much he withdrew it; these 1887 pieces are that argument made into people. Forty-eight Dutch plates by Vermeer and Jan Steen, all quiet rooms and serving girls, run alongside Pater's imagined lives like a second text.

Voir livre

The Scapegoat - From their pens...

Paul Laurence Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born on June 27th, 1872 in Dayton Ohio. His parents had been slaves in Kentucky before the Civil War.
Dunbar wrote his first poem at age 6 and gave his first public recital at age 9. By 16 he was already published as a poet in ‘The Herald’, a local newspaper.
After completing his formal schooling in 1891, Dunbar was employed as an elevator operator, at $4 a week. His hopes of a legal career floundered on a lack of funds and racial discrimination. However, he wrote his poetry and took every opportunity to publish. In 1892 his employers sent him to the United Brethren Publishing House which, in 1893, printed his dialect poetry, ‘Oak and Ivy; Dunbar subsidized the printing and earned back his investment in two weeks by selling copies himself.
Dunbar also wrote the lyrics for ‘In Dahomey’, the first musical written and performed entirely by African Americans. It was produced on Broadway in 1903; and then toured England and the United States for four years.
After returning from a literary tour of United Kingdom, Dunbar married Alice Ruth Moore on March 6th, 1898. She was a teacher and poet from New Orleans. Dunbar called her "the sweetest, smartest little girl I ever saw". Alice would become as famous as Paul during her life for her own literary works.
In 1900, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and his doctors recommended drinking whisky to alleviate his symptoms. The couple moved to Colorado as the cold, dry mountain air was considered favorable for his health. Dunbar and Alice separated in 1902, but never divorced. But Depression and declining health drove him to depend on alcohol, and health deteriorated.
His short career was prolific; a dozen books of poetry, four books of short stories, four novels, lyrics for ‘In Dahomey’, and a play. Dunbar’s essays and poems were published widely in leading journals including ‘Harper's Weekly’ and ‘The Saturday Evening Post’. He was also a committed civil rights activist.
In 1904 he returned to Dayton to be with his mother.
Paul Laurence Dunbar died of tuberculosis on February 9th, 1906, at the age of only thirty-three.

Voir livre

The Dunwich Horror - A...

H.P. Lovecraft

What if the quiet countryside hid a terror too vast for the human mind to grasp? "The Dunwich Horror" is a chilling descent into forbidden knowledge, ancient bloodlines, and a presence so immense it defies comprehension. In the isolated village of Dunwich, whispered legends, strange rituals, and a reclusive family hint at a dark secret buried for generations. When scholars from Miskatonic University investigate, curiosity quickly turns to terror as an unspeakable truth begins to emerge. As tension tightens, the familiar countryside unravels into cosmic dread. Invisible forces move through the hills, reason begins to fracture, and humanity’s fragile place in the universe is laid bare. This audiobook immerses you in Lovecraft’s signature cosmic horror - atmospheric, unsettling, and relentlessly haunting. Press play, step into the shadows of Dunwich, and feel a nightmare that will linger in your mind long after the final word. Are you brave enough to listen?

Voir livre