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The Essential Reads

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Rating
★★★★★
4.8
from
20 reviews
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This podcast has
513 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2022/07/13
Latest episode
2026/11/04
Average duration
20 min.
Release period
4 days

Description

The Essential Reads podcast is a collection of classic audiobooks from your favourite authors such as Orson wells, Robert Lewis Stevenson, Mary Shelley, and many more, narrated by Isaac Birchall. Join Isaac on his journey to help get these books to the masses in an easy accessible way. Support the show and Join the Book Club https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads

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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 5 "The Jackal" | Audiobook
2026/11/04
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 5 "The Jackal" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:Sydney Carton makes his way from the tavern to Mr. Stryver’s apartment. The men drink together and talk about their day at court. Stryver, “The Lion”, compliments Carton “The Jackal” for the point he made on the resemblance between the defendant and himself. He also judges his friend for his moodiness. Ever since school, Carton has fluctuated between highs and lows. Carton shrugs off the accusation that his life lacks direction saying that he is unable to match Stryver’s ambition. Carton claims that he has no choice in life but to “Rust and Repose.” Attempting to change the subject, Stryver turns the conversation to Lucie Manette, praising her beauty. Carton dismisses her as a “gold-haired doll,” but Stryver feels that Carton does have some feelings for the girl.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 4 "Congratulatory" | Audiobook
2026/11/01
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 3 "A Disappointment" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:Dr. Manette, Lucie, Mr. Lorry, Mr. Stryver, and Charles Darnay leave the courthouse. Dr. Manette has done his best to become an upright and distinguished citizen, but the gloom of his past washes over him every now and again. Lucie sees herself as his saviour in these moments and tries her best to relive his father from these dark clouds. Darnay kisses Lucie’s hand and thanks Mr. Stryver for his work. Lucie, her father, and Stryver leave in a cab, and Sydney Carton, drunk, comes out to join the remainders. Lorry chastises him for his behaviour. Darnay and Carton leave for a tavern where Carton drunkenly jests with Darnay about being in Lucie’s favour. Darnay calls him out on his drunkenness to which Carton replies that he has reason to drink as he cares for no one and no one cares for him. After Darnay leaves, Carton looks at himself in the mirror and curses his appearance, comparing himself to Darnay, reminding himself what he has fallen away from. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 3 "A Disappointment" | Audiobook
2026/10/28
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 3 "A Disappointment" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The Attorney-General prosecutes the case, demanding that the jury finds Darnay guilty. The Solicitor-General examines John Barsad, whose testimony supports the Attorney-General’s case. The cross-examination tarnishes Barsad’s pure character. It is revealed that he has spent time in debtor’s prison and has been involved in bar fights over gambling. The prosecution calls its next witness, Roger Cly, who is then exposed as an untrustworthy witness. Mr Lorry then takes the stand and the is prosecution asks him if, five years ago, he road in the Dover Mail Coach with the accused. Lorry says that the man was so bundled up that he couldn’t identify the man. The prosecutor then asks a similar question of Lucie. She says that she met the prisoner on the ship home to England. She tells the court that the accused helped her nurse her sick father, and sways the court to his favour, before swaying them back the other way by saying that Darnay said that he thinks that George Washington would, one day, be just as well known as George III. Doctor Manette is also called to the stand but claims to have been too sick to remember anything. The defence attorney, Mr. Stryver cross-examines another witness when his assistant, Sydney Carton, passes him a note. Stryver begins arguing the contents of the note, drawing the attention of the court to Carton’s resemblance to the accused. The likeness confuses the jury, and when they retire to deliberate, they agree to acquit Darnay of his crimes as the resemblance of the men makes them question if they have imprisoned the right man or not. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 2 "A Sight" | Audiobook
2026/10/25
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 2 "A Sight" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The bank instructs Cruncher to go to the Old Bailey Courthouse and await orders from Jarvis Lorry. Cruncher arrives at the courthouse, where a Charles Darnay stands trial for treason. Cruncher doesn’t understand the legal jargon but is smart enough to understand that Darnay is being tried for treason and has been supplying the king of France, Louis XVI, with information about the British movements in the American Colonies. As Darnay looks towards a young lady and her distinguished father, a whisper goes around the room speculating on who these could be. Eventually, Cruncher discovers that they are serving at Witnesses against Darnay. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 1 "Five Years Later" | Audiobook
2026/10/21
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 2 chapter 1 "Five Years Later" narrated by Isaac Birchall Subscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary: 1780. Tellson’s Bank in London prides itself on being “very small, very dark, very ugly, very incommodious.” The partners believe that if it were more welcoming then it would lose its status as a respectable business. It’s located at Temple Bar, where the heads of executed criminals were displayed until very recently. Jerry Cruncher, the bank’s runner awakens in his apartment, in a dodgy part of London. He begins his day by yelling at his wife, the conversation culminating with him throwing a muddy boot at her. Around 9, he and his son camp outside the bank to await instructions. The door opens and a man calls for a Porter, at which Jerry heads off to do the job, leaving his son alone. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 6 "The Shoemaker" | Audiobook
2026/10/18
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 6 "The Shoemaker" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:Manette talks with a very distant and quiet voice, as if it hasn’t been used for many years. He says that he is making a ladies’ shoe in the modern fashion after a template he had held. When asked his name he responds, “One Hundred and Five, North Tower.” Lucie makes her way over to him and noticing her hair, Manette opens up a knotted rag that wears around his neck and takes out some strands of hair.At first, he believes Lucie to his wife but claims that would be impossible as she is too young. Lucie then implores her father to weep for her if her voice or her hair recalls a loved one to him. She hints to him that a home far away awaits him, and that his “agony is over.” Manette collapses after this emotional event, and Lucie urges Lorry to take them back to England as fast as possible. At first, he is hesitant, but he soon agrees and heads off to arrange the affairs with Mr. Defarge. Later, they usher Mr. Manette down the stairs and into a coach and they sent off for England. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 5 "The Wine-shop" | Audiobook
2026/10/14
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 5 "The Wine-shop" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The setting moves to Paris. In a street, a wine cask falls to the street and breaks, flooding it with wine, and wish people who rush to drink as much as they can. Women take off their scarves and dip it in the wine, men cup their hands to drink, and even children get their fill. The wine shop is owned by Monsieur Defarge, a man of around 30. His wife, Mrs. Defarge sits behind the counter and watches everything that goes on around her. She signals to her husband to announce the presence of an older man and a young lady. Defarge looks over the strangers (Lorry and Lucie) and pretends not to notice them as he goes to speak to some familiar faces. They all refer to each other as Jaques as a way to identify each other as revolutionaries. Defarge soon sends the men out and then Lorry goes to see the wine shop owner. They converse for a few seconds and then Defarge guides Lorry and Lucie into the main building and up the stairs. They come to a dirty landing where the three men from before are gathered, Defarge tells them to go away and is accosted by Lorry for letting the man get looked at like an animal in a zoo. Defarge responds that he trusts the men and the look of what’s behind the door will do them well. Defarge then opens the door to reveal a white-haired man making shoes in a very dark room.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 4 "The Preparation" | Audiobook
2026/10/11
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 4 "The Preparation" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The next morning, Lorry arrives in Dover and gets out of the mail coach at the Royal George Hotel. After changing out of his travel clothes he transforms himself into his usual sixty-year-old businessman self. That afternoon, a waiter announces the arrival of Lucie Manette and says that the girl is ready to meet Mr. Lorry. Lorry meets the girl in her room and she says that she had word from the bank that some intelligence had been made respecting the small estate of her father – long presumed dead. After restating his duties as a businessman, Lorry tells miss Manette that the real reason she has been summoned to Paris is because her father has been found alive and has been taken to an old servant. Lucie is to go and restore her father to his health, and Mr. Lorry is to go and identify the man. Lucie then goes into shock, and he servant, Miss Pross rushes in to save her charge.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 3 "The Night Shadows" | Audiobook
2026/10/07
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 3 "The Night Shadows" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The narrator thinks about the secrets and mysteries that each human is to the every other. Lorry, as he rides in the mail coach with the two strangers, dozes in and out of sleep. His dreams are of the inner workings of Tellson’s Bank. But the shadows passing through the coach play tricks on him, and he dreams that he is digging someone out of a grave. He converses with this spectre and learns that the man has been buried alive for nearly 18 years. Lorry tells the spectre that he has been recalled to life and asks it if it wishes to live. He also asks “shall I show her to you? Will you come and see her?” The ghost has different answers to these questions all night, sometimes claiming that he would die if he were to see this woman, and at other times he pleads to see her immediately; at other times he weeps.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 2 "The Mail" | Audiobook
2026/10/04
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 2 "The Mail" narrated by Isaac Birchall Subscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:The story officially starts on the Dover Road with the Dover Mail on a very steep hill. The passengers are walking along side the coach. The horses are not content and have made several attempts to turn around, but they are made to walk on. There is a steaming cold mist making its way up the hill, and it seems to be following them, and blocks out nearly all light. All passengers are cautious of one another and suspect each and all to be a potential highway robber. The guard is armed and has a blunderbuss close at hand. They are nearly at the top of the hill, and the coachman calls to the guard for the time; they are late. They finally get to the top of the hill. Through the mist the coachman and the guard hear a horse coming near, and the guard orders the passengers to get into the cab. One of the passengers remains half on the step blocking the entry for the other two, and everyone still listens. When the other horseman makes his way closer, the guard calls for him to slow down, and the other shouts out asking if it is the Dover Mail, and asks for a Mr. Lorry, to which the first passenger responds. He says that he knows the messenger and gets down into the road again, giving the other two passengers the opportunity to get inside the cab and shut the door again. The man comes closer and gives over a letter to the passenger. Mr Lorry reads the letter once to himself then out loud, and proceeds to give his response to the horseman aloud, “recalled to life.” No one understands this letter, but the passenger tells the horseman that the recipient will understand its meaning. The passenger gets back into the cab with the frightened other passengers, who are feigning sleep. The guard and the coachman talk briefly about the letter and answer, but they understand nothing. Jerry, the messenger, waits for the Mail to move out of hearing, and then starts on his journey too, thinking about the answer given by Mr. Lorry. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 1 "The Period" | Audiobook
2026/10/01
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Book 1 chapter 1 "The Period" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” One of the most iconic opening lines in literature sets the scene of one of the most read novels in the world. Charles Dickens tells his readers about what is happening in both England and France, where this novel is set. France is less spiritual than England and has been making and spending a lot of money. There are rumblings of revolution on the horizon. England is out of order. There are robberies and burglaries taking place all over the country, even in the capital. The Lord Mayor of London was even robbed, and the Jails (gaols) are riotous. The Hangman is very busy punishing all ne’er-do-wells. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Charles Dickens' novel A Tale of Two Cities is one of the most sold books on the planet with over 200 million copies having been sold world wide. It is the most famous of Dickens' works and set in the bloody and violent French revolution. It blends the great history of the French revolution with the tale of a family. Raising enduring themes of imprisonment, injustice, social anarchy, resurrection, and the renunciation that fosters renewal, there is a reason that this novel has stood the test of time and has been enjoyed by readers all across the globe in many different languages.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 52 | Audiobook
2026/09/27
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 52 "Pack Clouds Away" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:Edith is fretting in her room while waiting for the meeting between Margaret and Mr. Lennox to finish. At the sound of footsteps, she interrogates her brother-in-law and asks him to stay for lunch which he refuses. He shuts down her inquiries about a proposal and says that they have been talking business and business only. Before he leaves, he says that he will be back tomorrow with Mr. Thornton to finalise the business.The next day, to Margaret’s shock, Mr. Lennox does not come. Thornton is there alone and after an hour, Margaret determines to lead the meeting herself. She says that she will be sorry to lose him as a tenant. She goes on to explain a business deal wherein she would lend 1857 pounds to Mr. Thornton that is just sitting in the bank, he could pay her back at a better rate of interest and also continue working Marlborough Mills. She goes to look for more papers but is arrested by Thornton saying her name. She drops her head, and at a second call of her name she drops her head again. He comes close and whispers that if she does not speak, he will claim her as his own, and whispers once again her name. She falters at this and claims that she is not good enough for him, to which Thornton says that he too does not feel worthy enough for her. He places her into the same position she was in when she protected him from the rioters. He then say that he wishes to show her something and reaching for his pocketbook he shows her some pressed roses, she at first doesn’t know what they are, and after a minute she realises that they are from Helstone and that Mr. Thornton visited there. He says that he wanted to see that place where Margaret grew up. She tries to take them from him, and he replies that she will have to pay for them, and Margaret announces that she doesn’t know how she could possibly tell Aunt Shaw, Thornton joking that she will say “That Man?!” to her announcement, to which Margaret replies that Mrs. Thornton will say “That Woman?!” to his own announcement. The End.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 51 | Audiobook
2026/09/23
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 51 "Meeting Again" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/joinPodcast Link: https://open.spotify.com/show/13b1qP3WhCWxam9yc49vIF?si=4e279ef4f5f143a0⁠Summary:It is a very hot summer evening, and Edith goes into Margaret’s room. Edith tells Dixon that she should get some pomegranate blossoms for Margaret’s dress instead of the ones that she picked. She wonders how Mrs. Hale let Margaret wander around Milton by herself. When Margaret returns, Edith tells her that Mr. Lennox has had a meeting with Mr. Thornton in London and has invited him to dine with them. Margaret says that she isn’t hungry, but Edith forces her to dress for supper and join them. Downstairs, Mr. Lennox tells Margaret the reason for Mr. Thornton’s visit, his giving up the mills, and shares his fears that Edith will not accept him. When Thornton enters, Mr. Lennox introduces him to the party. He is still handsome and noble like, though a little aged from the stress of his business affairs. He greets Margaret happily, and they then go to dinner.Margaret is quiet at dinner and only asks Mr. Thornton about her friends in Milton. Mr. Lennox and Mr. Thornton talk together throughout the majority of the dinner, and Mr. Lennox tells Margaret that she was very ill when she first arrived in London but is now fully recovered. A politician is also at dinner, and enquires after Mr. Thornton, and after establishing who the newcomer is, talks with the Northern guest. Mr Thornton is not looking at Margaret, giving her an opportunity to study his face. Only once does he look at Margaret, after a comment from Mr. Lennox, but he instantly catches himself and feels a little anxious.After supper, Mr Thornton and the politician converse together, and Mr. Lennox talks with Margaret. He tells Margaret, that the politician is very pleased with Thornton. They then listen to the conversation between the two other men. It seems that the politician was recently in Milton and heard some good things about Thornton. Thornton says that he has grown close to the hands in his factory. The topic of Mr. Thornton’s business failures comes up, and Mr. Lennox tries to save Thornton from an embarrassment, but Thornton is more than happy to talk about his failures. He talks very positively about his hands and says that even though they don’t always understand why he makes certain decisions as a master, being closer to his workers has made all of their relations much easier but clarifies that he doesn’t believe this closeness will rid the world of strikes. He then perks up and comes over to Margaret to tell her that he received a letter from Higgins and other hands saying that if he were to start a new factory, that they would readily work for him again. Margaret is very pleased with this news and tells Thornton so. At the end of the evening as the men are leaving, Margaret slows Mr. Lennox down to ask him to come to visit her the following day at 11, causing the man to leave very pleased.SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 50 | Audiobook
2026/09/20
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 50 "Changes At Milton" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Milton is continually moving and everyone is either anxious or happy, and the happy are very few. The businesses are struggling to compete against American competition. People think that Mr. Thornton is safe, but it is not true. He has spent his profits on expanding his business and has not got any left to keep himself afloat. Mrs. Thornton is reading a paper and talking with her son, he wishes to make something of himself overseas, and cares little for what he is in Milton, until he met Higgins that is. He has grown closer to Higgins, and while they differ on points, they have realised that they are both human. In spite of this however, Thornton is behind on his deadlines because of the strike and the importation of the incompetent foreign hands. Trade is now bad too, Thornton losing half the demand that he had before. Thornton is very stressed because of this and becoming more direct and hard that he had been over the past few months. Higgins one day calls to Thornton and asks him if he has heard of Margaret. He is confused at first, but then remembers, and it is like the summer wind is back in his face. He tells Higgins that Margaret is his Landlord and says that Margaret is among friends in London. Higgins inquires more about Margaret, and then suddenly asks if young Frederick had been cleared. Thornton has no idea about this, and Higgins clarifies more that Frederick was over in England for Mrs. Hale’s death but stops saying more when Higgins feels that Mr. Thornton did not know about Frederick’s visit. Thornton is overjoyed with this news. Thornton’s agent in America’s trusted house went down and put Thornton into more disarray. Thornton spends all night, every night, studying what he can do. One morning, his mother asks him what he has been doing. Thornton finally says to his mum that trade is bad and he says too that no man of his shall be put out by his collapse. He alone shall go out of business. He was offered a speculation, but it is a very risky one and will ruin him if it fails. Mrs. Thornton then goes on to wonder why her son always ends in misery; no girl and no Business. Mr Thornton asks his mum for some kind and gentil words that she used to say to him when he was a child, but she refuses. Thornton lays his face down on the table, depressed for a moment, but soon recovers himself. The revival of trade should be given up. Fanny’s husband is vexed at Thornton’s refusal of the speculation, and Thornton concludes that he should close his business. He has many offers open to him, but refuses to go into business with other people, wanting to only be a manager if not possible to start his business again. After 9 days, it is found out that his brother in law’s speculation was successful, and made him an incredibly wealthy man…SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 49 | Audiobook
2026/09/16
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell chapter 49 "Breathing Tranquility" narrated by Isaac BirchallSubscribe on YT or Join the Book Club on KO-FI and support me as an independent creator :D⁠https://ko-fi.com/theessentialreads⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfOFfvo05ElM96CmfsGsu3g/join⁠Summary:Edith asks her husband if Margaret has inherited Mr. Bell’s estate, but he is oblivious to the answer and assumes that he cannot have had much money as a simple fellow at a college. The following week, Margaret receives a note with the exact amount of money to be provided to her, an astronomical sum. They all allow Mr. Henry Lennox to be her advisor, and he spends much time in close contact with Margaret, teaching her about her wealth’s uses. Edith teaser him about the time with Margaret, and she wishes to see them joined. Margaret does not go to Spain and joins her family in Cromer where her family lazily enjoys the break from the city. As time goes on, Margaret believes less and less that Mr. Bell could have heard about Margaret’s reasons for lying from Mr. Bell. While her family shops, and rides, and enjoys themselves, Margaret spends her time sitting on the beach thinking about her future. When the family gathers at dinner, Margaret is deemed moped, and Edith suggests that Henry Lennox joins them there when he comes back from Scotland. Margaret’s time on the beach is not lost however, and she soon recovers her old looks of health. Mr. Henry Lennox remarks this change and becomes more enamoured with her and hopes that his time with her will have a happy ending for him. Henry Lennox, in his work for Margaret had visited Milton, and he talks all about it to Margaret which she loves. Mr. Lennox was very impressed with the city and talks with none of the prejudice that she once held for the town. When they return to town, Margaret determines to take her life into her own hands and no longer be subservient to her aunt. Edith warns Margaret not to become too free spirited and says that if she could only find her a husband, then Margaret could not fly away from her. Margaret says that she is unsure if she should ever find a husband. SEO stuff I don't want to do. Elizabeth Gaskell's classic, "North and South" sees Margaret Hale's live uprooted as her family moves to the north of England. Initially disgusted by the ugliness of the industrial town of Milton, Margaret develops a strong sense of social justice after seeing the poverty and suffering of local mill workers.

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real soccer 2011 free 2026/10/06
Eagerly waiting for more
He does such a wonderful job conveying emotions in the characters conversation and I do leave it on while I sleep lol ! I’m waiting patiently for more...
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Lmay8 2026/09/30
Great voice!
I just finished listening to North and South, a book I had been excited for before but his dramatic reading with different accents really helped (as a...
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I’ve been listening to wuthering heights and before I started, I tried a few different channels. This is the best! I especially love the chapters wher...
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Caitlyn Gongwer 2025/05/02
I have never enjoyed audiobooks until now!
Audiobooks are always hard for me to enjoy because I often find the voices the narrator does to be annoying. Isaac, however, does lovely character voi...
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nastylistener 2024/05/06
Great voices
Thank you Isaac, I love the way you read. It is so hard to find a good audiobook nowadays, especially the classics! I just finished Fahrenheit 451, i...
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I personally love the readings and fall asleep to these wonderful stories. Not to mention the accents in certain books making the experience even bett...
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JBu5981 2023/05/11
Love your podcast! Thank you!!
Easy listening. Professional reading. Thank you! [I think you might be missing Grapes of Wrath’s chapter 18 (season 3).]
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workflowyfan 2023/01/17
Highly recommend
The reading of the grapes of wrath is beautiful, highly recommend! I only wish that there wasn’t an outro after each episode and that there was a shor...
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