Other books that might interest you

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  In the Penal Colony and Other...

  Franz Kafka

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  Dive into the surreal and absurdist world of Franz Kafka with this compendium containing some of his most captivating short stories. 
   
  Including the deeply harrowing 'In the Penal Colony' and his breakthrough tale, 'The Judgement', as well as some of his lesser-known works, this newly translated assortment provides a unique look at one of the twentieth century's most visionary writers. 
   
  From isolating mountain journeys and unexpected accidents to strained family relationships, the stories within capture the human experience and offer unparalleled commentary on everything from the ordinary to the bizarre. Deeply introspective and brimming with wisdom, Kafka's writing is as eye opening today as when it was first published.

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  A Lesson on a Tortoise - From...

  D H Lawrence

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  David Herbert Lawrence was born on the 11th September 1885 in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, a coal mining town where the reality of a harsh life was only useful as experiences for future literary works. 
  He was educated at Beauvale Board School and became the first local boy to receive a scholarship to attend Nottingham High School. After 3 years he became a junior clerk in Haywood’s surgical appliances factory. He was also attempting a literary career which, in the short term, led to a teacher training position in Eastwood and later a teaching qualification from University College, Nottingham.  
  Lawrence’s first efforts were poems, short stories and a draft of ‘The White Peacock’. Moving to London and a teaching position in Croydon his writing attracted the attention of Ford Madox Ford, editor of The English Review, and he commissioned him to write ‘Odour of Chrysanthemums’.  
  Wanting to write full-time he now began work on what would become ‘Sons and Lovers.   
  In 1912 he met the older and married mother-of-three Frieda Weekley. They eloped to Germany and here Lawrence could see for himself the growing tensions with France.  So keen was his interest that he was arrested and accused of being a British spy.  
  In early 1914 Frieda obtained her divorce and they returned to Britain to be married just days before the outbreak of war. Owing to her German parentage, and his own public dislike of militarism and violence, the couple were treated with contempt and suspicion throughout the war years.  
  Despite this he continued to write but his reputation in England was so tarnished and, mirrored by his own disdain for the country, he and Frieda left England in November 1919, first for Europe and then America via Ceylon and Australia. 
  They bought a ranch in Taos, New Mexico and visited Mexico several times. The third visit in March 1925 caused a near fatal attack of malaria. To convalesce they moved to Florence. Here he continued work on ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ which for many years would cause controversy. A renewed interest in oil painting resulted in an exhibition in 1929 which was raided by the police and several works were confiscated.  
  D H Lawrence died of complications arising from a bout of tuberculosis on the 2nd of March 1930 in Vence, France.  He was 44.

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  Wintry Peacock

  D H Lawrence

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  'Wintry Peacock' is, on the surface, a tale of misdirected love or even irresponsible love, the relationship between the wife and the peacock being the most strange but it is the conspiracy of the two men in the story to prevent the truth coming out about the husband's love child that is most disturbing. The innocent are punished and the guilty get away with their sins and the author goes laughing down the hill at the end of the story.

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  Macbeth | Simple Shakespeare...

  Jeanette Vigon

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  In an era where the timeless narratives of Shakespeare might seem daunting, Jeanette Vigon extends a welcoming hand through her adaptation of "Macbeth" in the Simple Shakespeare series. Her modern retelling breathes vitality into the dark and ambitious journey of Macbeth, making the complex story of power, guilt, and fate accessible and engaging for today's readers. Vigon captures the original play's intensity and moral conflicts, while translating it into a language that resonates with the contemporary audience. 
  Ideal for newcomers to Shakespeare as well as devoted fans seeking a fresh take, this rendition of "Macbeth" explores the intricate relationships and psychological depths of its characters against a backdrop that feels strikingly relevant. Vigon skillfully unravels the themes of ambition, moral corruption, and the psychological turmoil of its protagonist, ensuring the story's enduring themes reach a new generation with undiminished impact. 
  This adaptation is a must-have for anyone eager to explore the dramatic landscape of one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, without the hurdle of early modern English. It serves as a perfect resource for students encountering Shakespeare for the first time and educators in search of engaging literature for their curriculum. Jeanette Vigon’s "Macbeth" offers a captivating and insightful read that successfully narrows the centuries-old gap between the audience and Shakespeare’s work. 
  Rediscover "Macbeth" in this engaging retelling, where medieval Scotland's fog-laden highlands are painted with dialogues that speak to our current era. Delve into the storied tale of Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, and the witches, reimagined through Vigon’s adept storytelling. Dive into a narrative where each line draws you closer to the unraveling destiny of characters who have never seemed more alive or relatable.

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  Hard Times

  Charles Dickens

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  Step into the industrial heart of 19th-century England with Charles Dickens' powerful social critique, Hard Times. In this compelling tale, Dickens explores the stark realities of a society driven by utilitarianism, class division, and the relentless demands of industry. This story unfolds in the fictional mill town of Coketown, where human compassion is overshadowed by cold calculation and where the struggles of the working class clash with the ambitions of the wealthy. 
  Meet Thomas Gradgrind, a strict and fact-driven schoolmaster whose rigid philosophy of life affects his family and community in profound ways. As the lives of his children, Louisa and Tom, intersect with those of mill workers like the resilient Stephen Blackpool and the lively Sissy Jupe, Dickens weaves a rich tapestry of human resilience, love, and the longing for a better world. 
  With vivid characters, biting satire, and an unflinching examination of social inequality, Hard Times remains a timeless classic that resonates with modern audiences. This audiobook brings Dickens' masterful prose to life, offering an engaging and thought-provoking listening experience. Perfect for lovers of literary classics and those seeking a deeper understanding of humanity’s enduring struggles, Hard Times is a must-hear journey into the soul of Victorian England.

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  Frankenstein - Audiobook

  Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley,...

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  In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley weaves a gripping tale of ambition, creation, and consequences. Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist, defies the natural order by creating life. Horrified by the result, he abandons his creation—a sentient, lonely being who is shunned by society. The Creature's journey, marked by rejection and vengeance, challenges the boundaries of morality and humanity.This Gothic masterpiece blends science fiction and philosophy, raising timeless questions about the pursuit of knowledge, the ethics of creation, and the human need for connection. Set against vivid European landscapes, Frankenstein remains a powerful exploration of the fine line between genius and hubris.

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