Altri libri che potrebbero interessarti

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  The Aerialists

  Katie Munnik

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  *WATERSTONES WELSH BOOK OF THE MONTH* 
  Paris, 1891 Laura is living on the streets, far from the American Prairies where she was born. When rescued by the entrancing aerialists, Ena and Auguste Gaudron, she soon finds herself ensconced in the family hot air balloon business, and offered the chance to learn how to fly. 
  Cardiff, 1896 The Gaudrons accept an invitation to be part of the Cardiff Fine Art, Industrial and Maritime Exhibition, presenting a daring show of balloon ascents and parachute descents. 
  Then late one night, a young girl, Grace, knocks on the Gaudrons’ door. She is desperate to fly, whatever the cost. 
  As Grace’s dreams begin to take wing, can Laura be the one to keep her grounded? Or will both girls risk it all for one dazzling moment of flight? 
  ‘A heady and stylish read that had me swept away from the first page. Munnik has captured a fascinating world of daring with both beauty and heart’ MAHSUDA SNAITH 
  ‘Vivid and meticulous, Katie Munnik’s The Aerialists captures the tangled desires of people living on the thin air of their own daring – a glorious vision of a time, a place, a welter of human manipulations and hopes, and ultimately, their tragic effects. A really fine read’ JOAN BARFOOT 
  ‘Based on a true story, this rich novel will capture your imagination’ BEST magazine 
  Immersed in the historical and cultural heritage of the late 19th century, The Aerialists by Katie Munnik is a top literary fiction that takes you on a journey from the American Prairies to the streets of Paris and Cardiff. The narrative is a testament to the human spirit, daring to dream and the desire to fly. 
  For fans of Jonathan Coe (Bournville), Eric Ozawa (More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop), Kristin Hannah (The Nightingale), Maggie O'Farrell (Hamnet), and Natasha Solomons (House of Gold). 
  HarperCollins 2022

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  Heart of Darkness

  Joseph Conrad

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  Heart of Darkness is a novella by Joseph Conrad, published in 1899, that explores the profound effects of imperialism and the darkness inherent in human nature. The story is narrated by Charles Marlow, a sailor who embarks on a journey into the Congo River basin in search of Kurtz, an enigmatic ivory trader. 
  Marlow begins his tale aboard a British ship anchored on the Thames, where he reflects on his past experiences in Africa. He takes a job with a Belgian ivory trading company and travels to the Congo, initially filled with excitement and curiosity about the uncharted territories. However, upon arrival, he is confronted with the brutal realities of colonial exploitation—the suffering of native Africans forced into servitude and the moral decay of European agents.

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  The Picture of Dorian Gray - A...

  Oscar Wilde

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  Dorian Gray is young, wealthy, and extraordinarily handsome. When his portrait is painted, he makes a fateful wish—that the image will bear the marks of age and corruption while he himself remains forever young. The wish is granted, and as Dorian plunges deeper into a life of excess and moral compromise, the portrait begins to change in ways both disturbing and profound. 
  While Dorian’s outward appearance remains untouched by time, the hidden image records every sin, every cruelty, and every secret. Trapped between pleasure and conscience, he is drawn into a psychological struggle that questions the true cost of beauty, vanity, and unchecked desire. 
  First published in 1890, The Picture of Dorian Gray is Oscar Wilde’s haunting masterpiece—a gothic and philosophical novel that explores identity, morality, and the danger of living without restraint. Elegant, unsettling, and timeless, it remains one of the most influential works of classic literature. 
  Perfect for fans of gothic fiction, literary classics, and psychological drama, this audiobook invites you to listen closely—and look beneath the surface.

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  A Woman of Independent Means

  Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey

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  Inspired by the author' s irrepressible grandmother, A Woman of Independent Means is a bestselling novel about Bess Steed Garner, a determined woman at the beginning of the twentieth century. At a time when women had few choices, Bess inherits a legacy— not only of wealth but of determination and desire. Following the novel' s success, the story was adapted into an acclaimed one-woman show starring Barbara Rush, and this audio presentation is Rush's tour de force performance of that play. Told entirely through letters, the action follows Bess' life from 1899, when she is in the fourth grade, to her death in 1977. What evolves is a moving portrait of a memorable character.

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  Peg Woffington

  Charles Reade

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  Peg Woffington is a lively and engaging novel that brings to life the vibrant world of 18th-century theatre, blending romance, wit, and social insight into a captivating story. Written by Charles Reade, this classic work draws inspiration from the life of the celebrated Irish actress Margaret "Peg" Woffington, offering readers a vivid portrait of stage life, personal ambition, and the complexities of love.
  
  At the heart of the novel is Peg Woffington herself—a talented, charismatic, and independent actress whose charm and intelligence captivate audiences both on and off the stage. Admired for her beauty and skill, Peg navigates a world where performance extends beyond the theatre, and appearances often conceal deeper truths.
  
  The story unfolds around her relationships, particularly with those who become entangled in her orbit. Among them is a young and idealistic man whose romantic expectations are challenged as he becomes drawn into Peg's world—a world where emotion, illusion, and reality intertwine. As misunderstandings arise and feelings deepen, the narrative explores the delicate balance between genuine affection and the roles people play in society.
  
  Reade skillfully captures the energy and atmosphere of the theatrical scene, from bustling playhouses to the intimate dynamics behind the curtain. His portrayal of actors and performers reveals both the glamour and the challenges of a life devoted to art, where public admiration often contrasts with private struggle.
  
  Beyond its theatrical setting, Peg Woffington delves into themes of identity, sincerity, and the nature of love. The novel examines how individuals present themselves to the world and the ways in which perception can shape relationships. Peg herself emerges as a complex and compelling figure—at once confident and vulnerable, admired yet misunderstood.
  
  With its blend of humor, romance, and keen social observation, the novel offers an entertaining yet thoughtful exploration of human behavior. Reade's prose is lively and expressive, drawing readers into a story that is as emotionally engaging as it is richly detailed.
  
  Peg Woffington remains a delightful and insightful classic, celebrating the artistry of performance while revealing the very human stories behind the spotlight. It is a tale of charm, illusion, and the search for authenticity in a world where everyone, in one way or another, plays a part.

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  The Woods All Black

  Lee Mandelo

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  Leslie Bruin is assigned to the backwoods township of Spar Creek by the Frontier Nursing Service, under its usual mandate: vaccinate the flock, birth babies, and weather the judgements of churchy locals who look at him and see a failed woman. Forged in the fires of the Western Front and reborn in the cafes of Paris, Leslie believes he can handle whatever is thrown at him—but Spar Creek holds a darkness beyond his nightmares. 
   
   
   
  Something ugly festers within the local congregation, and its malice has focused on a young person they insist is an unruly tomboy who must be brought to heel. Violence is bubbling when Leslie arrives, ready to spill over, and he'll have to act fast if he intends to be of use. But the hills enfolding Spar Creek have a mind of their own, and the woods are haunted in ways Leslie does not understand. 
   
   
   
  The Woods All Black is a story of passion, prejudice, and power—an Appalachian period piece that explores reproductive justice and bodily autonomy, the terrors of small-town religiosity, and the necessity of fighting tooth and claw to live as who you truly are. 
   
   
   
  Contains mature themes.

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