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  Dionea - Violet Paget wrote...

  Vernon Lee

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  Vernon Lee was born Violet Paget on 4th October 1856 in Boulogne, France to intellectual expatriate British parents.   
   
  In common with several other very talented literary women of the day she felt it necessary to publish under a masculine pseudonym in order for her writing to be taken seriously.  Indeed she seems to have adopted that persona across her whole lifestyle becoming personally known and acknowledged by all as Vernon Lee and accordingly dressed as a man.    
   
  Her first published work, in 1880, was taken from her collection of essays that had originally appeared in Fraser’s Magazine with the scholarly title of; ‘Studies of the Eighteenth Century in Italy.’ It reflected her passion for music and centered on the rich creative lives of poet-librettist Pietro Metastasio and dramatists Carlo Goldoni and Carlo Gozzi.   
   
  She wrote over a dozen volumes of essays on art, music, and travel with her scholarly appreciation animated by wit and imagination.  Lee was well-regarded as an expert on the Italian Renaissance and was a proponent of the Aesthetic movement. 
   
  Her literary talents were extensive and she wrote a number of novels and plays.  Perhaps her best remembered works are her haunting and powerful short stories exploring the supernatural.  Lee has often received accolades for these and glowingly compared to other authors such as M R James. 
    
  A committed pacifist she was resolved to protest against World War I. Her social activism in other areas was perhaps fueled by her feminist beliefs.  In her private life she was a lesbian and had long-term passionate relationships with three women including the doomed author and poet, Amy Levy.   
   
  Vernon Lee died on 13th February 1935 in San Gervasio Bresciano, Italy.  
   
  In Dionea we discover that a young girl has been washed ashore near Genoa.  Her life could be one of misery or success depending on the fates.  But despite her ravishing beauty Dionea grows up to be not the woman all had hoped she might become.

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  A Christmas Carol

  Peter Darnes

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  This exquisite audiobook adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brings the timeless story of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption to life. It faithfully captures every nuance of his language and moral vision, making it perfect for students of English literature who want to experience the story in all its splendour. It offers an immersive sonic journey. The narration is delivered with expert skill and warmth, embodying both Scrooge’s biting cynicism and the tender hope that emerges as the story unfolds. Each character, from Bob Cratchit to the ghostly spirits, is uniquely voiced by a talented cast whose performances add vivid emotional depth. Accompanying the narration is a rich, cinematic soundscape. The gentle crackle of firelight, the distant chime of church bells, and the spectral winds of Christmas night all add to the enjoyment of listening. All these elements help blend Victorian carols with sweeping modern musical arrangements, enhancing every scene and heightening both fear and joy. This production stands as a definitive audio experience that educates, enchants, and rekindles the spirit of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas classic.

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  The Awakening

  Kate Chopin

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  "The Awakening" is Kate Chopin's groundbreaking novel published in 1899 that focuses on the life of Edna Pontellier, a woman who grapples with the societal conventions of the American South during the late 19th century. As Edna awakens to her own desires and seeks self-discovery and independence, she challenges the societal norms surrounding femininity, motherhood, and marriage. The narrative explores themes of identity, freedom, and the constraints of tradition. It was controversial upon its release due to its candid portrayal of a woman's sexual and emotional desires, but is now regarded as a seminal work in feminist literature.

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  Selected works of TS Eliot - The...

  T. S. Eliot

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  Thomas Stearns Eliot OM (26 Sept 1888 – 4 Jan 1965) was a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, and literary and social critic. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to a prominent Boston Brahmin family, he moved to England in 1914 at the age of 25 and went on to settle, work and marry there. He became a British subject in 1927 at the age of 39, subsequently renouncing his American citizenship. Considered one of the twentieth century's major poets, Eliot attracted widespread attention for his poem "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" (1915), which was seen as a masterpiece of the Modernist movement. It was followed by some of the best-known poems in the English language, including The Waste Land (1922), "The Hollow Men" (1925), "Ash Wednesday" (1930), and Four Quartets (1943). He was also known for his seven plays, particularly Murder in the Cathedral (1935) and The Cocktail Party (1949). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948, "for his outstanding, pioneer contribution to present-day poetry".
  This collection includes the works of T. S. Eliot: 
  The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
  The Waste Land

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  Sherlock Holmes: The Red-Headed...

  Arthur Conan Doyle

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  Dive into the world of Sherlock Holmes with The Red-Headed League, the second part of the Sherlock Holmes Short Story collection, narrated by Jake Urry. In this intriguing tale by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Holmes and Dr. Watson unravel the mystery behind the peculiar job offer to Jabez Wilson, a pawnbroker with striking red hair. What starts as a bizarre employment opportunity quickly unfolds into a plot involving deception and criminal intent. 
  Jake Urry's engaging narration brings every twist and turn to life, making you feel as if you're right beside Holmes and Watson in their thrilling investigation. Perfect for both dedicated Sherlock Holmes enthusiasts and those new to the detective's adventures, this audiobook captures the essence of Victorian London and the brilliance of Holmes's deductive prowess. Experience the suspense and intrigue of The Red-Headed League in this new recording.

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  The Masque of the Red Death

  Edgar Allan Poe

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  Step into the eerie and haunting world of Edgar Allan Poe with "The Masque of the Red Death," the first part of an Edgar Allan Poe short story collection, narrated by Jake Urry. In this chilling tale, Prince Prospero and his courtiers attempt to escape a deadly plague by secluding themselves in a lavish abbey. Their sense of security is shattered when a mysterious figure cloaked in red appears during their masquerade ball, reminding them that death cannot be escaped. 
  Jake Urry's narration brings the suspense and gothic horror of Poe's story to life, making this audiobook an immersive experience. Perfect for both long-time fans and newcomers to Poe's work, this recording captures the dark, atmospheric essence of "The Masque of the Red Death," delivering a truly unforgettable listening experience.

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