Other books that might interest you

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  A Starry Drive

  Robert Louis Stevenson

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  In our rule at Silverado, there was a melancholy interregnum. The queen and the crown prince with one accord fell sick; and, as I was sick to begin with, our lone position on Mount Saint Helena was no longer tenable, and we had to hurry back to Calistoga and a cottage on the green. By that time we had begun to realize the difficulties of our position. We had found what an amount of labour it cost to support life in our red canyon; and it was the dearest desire of our hearts to get a China-boy to go along with us when we returned. We could have given him a whole house to himself, self-contained, as they say in the advertisements; and on the money question we were prepared to go far. Kong Sam Kee, the Calistoga washerman, was entrusted with the affair; and from day to day it languished on, with protestations on our part and mellifluous excuses on the part of Kong Sam Kee.

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  The Story of Dr Dolittle

  Hugh Lofting

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  Written by the British author Hugh Lofting, is the first of his Doctor Dolittle books, a series of children's novels about a man who learns to talk to animals and becomes their champion around the world. In this book, we are told how Dr John Dolittle came to learn the language of animals, and become and animal doctor. His journey to Africa to treat the sick Monkeys, and his return back to England. 
  Narrated by Michael Ward.

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  The Immortal A Christmas Carol

  Charles Dickens

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  "A Christmas Carol" follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly and cold-hearted old man, throughout one magical Christmas Eve. The narrative begins with Scrooge, a wealthy but stingy moneylender, dismissing the Christmas season with contempt and refusing to give to charity. He dislikes the idea of Christmas joy and generosity, considering them a waste of time and money. On Christmas Eve, as Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley, burdened with heavy chains as punishment for his greed and selfishness in life, warns Scrooge that he will suffer a similar fate unless he changes his ways. 
   
  Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night. The first the Ghost of Christmas Past, takes Scrooge on a journey through his childhood and early adulthood. Scrooge witnesses scenes from his past, including his lonely and neglected childhood, lost love, and moments when he chose money over relationships. The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, shows Scrooge scenes of people joyfully celebrating Christmas in the present. Scrooge is particularly moved by the Cratchit family, especially Bob Cratchit and his son Tiny Tim, who is ill. Despite their poverty, the Cratchits find happiness in each other and embody the true spirit of Christmas. The third spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come (or the Ghost of Christmas Future), shows Scrooge a bleak future if he continues on his current path. Scrooge sees his lonely death and the lack of mourning from those around him. He also witnesses Tiny Tim's death, which is a result of the family's inability to afford proper medical care. 
  Frightened and remorseful, Scrooge pleads for a chance to change. He promises to embrace the Christmas spirit and become a better person. Awakening on Christmas morning, Scrooge is overjoyed to discover that he has been given a second chance

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  The Chimes

  Charles Dickens

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  Step into the world of The Chimes, Charles Dickens’ moving holiday tale that explores themes of hope, redemption, and the human spirit. In this lesser-known but equally touching story, Dickens introduces us to Toby "Trotty" Veck, a poor and humble messenger who has lost faith in himself and society. On New Year's Eve, Trotty is visited by spirits through the chimes of the church bells, who reveal to him visions of despair, resilience, and the possibility for change. 
  Through Trotty’s journey, Dickens crafts a powerful message about overcoming cynicism and finding hope, even in difficult times. With rich, descriptive language and heartfelt storytelling, The Chimes resonates with the same warmth and compassion as A Christmas Carol and is perfect for anyone who loves Victorian literature or holiday tales with a meaningful twist. 
  Expertly narrated to bring Dickens’ vivid characters and atmospheric London setting to life, this audiobook is a memorable addition to any holiday season. 
  Start listening to The Chimes today and rediscover the enduring values of love, hope, and renewal as we welcome a new year!

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  A Fight with a Cannon - From...

  Victor Hugo

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  Victor Marie Hugo was born on 26th February 1802 in Besançon, France.   
  There can be no doubt that Hugo is ranked as the greatest of French authors and poets. In addition to this he fought against social injustice throughout his life and from his frequent elections to the French Assembly. 
  Hugo published his first novel, Han d’Islande (1823), the year after his marriage and so began an immense canon of fiction and poetry not only for France but to World literature.  
  He was elected to the Académie Française in 1841 and the same year came a peerage and entrance to the Higher Chamber as a pair de France, where he spoke against the death penalty, social injustice and in favour of press freedom.  
  In the years leading up to the Revolution of 1848 Hugo began to lean towards Republicanism and greater freedoms.  With the formation of the Second Republic, he was again elected to the Assembly. 
  When Napoleon III seized power in 1851, and established an anti-parliamentary constitution, Hugo openly declared him a traitor to France. This, of course, meant exile where he remained until 1870.  In exile he published his greatest work ‘Les Misérables’, and further widely honoured collections of poetry. 
  Returning home he was again elected to the National Assembly and the Senate.  It was the time of the Franco-Prussian war and with Paris under siege and food ever more scarce, he wrote in his diary that he was now "eating the unknown". 
  Later he was instrumental in strengthening the rights of artists and copyright, steps which led to the international protections of the Berne Convention.  
  Victor Hugo died on 22nd May 1885, aged 83.

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  Rawdon's Roof

  D H Lawrence

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  'Rawdon's Roof', is a slight comic piece, relying for its humour on the folly of a man throwing away his chance of happiness because of an unexplained and unlikely vow.

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