Discover the New Releases Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature Best Sellers

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Title: Ben Preserve Us

Author: Chaim Bermant

Narrator: Angus King

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 hrs and 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 01-15-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

I bring you up to believe that nothing is good enough for you, and you grow up to be good for nothing.

Thus, Mrs. Bindle, on learning that Ben, her only-begotten son, has decided to be a Rabbi; what is more, a Rabbi in a small provincial town in Scotland. Her anxiety proves to be not unjustified, although Ben's chosen career has its compensations-perhaps Helen, the promiscuous teenage daughter of his housekeeper; perhaps Simmy, the young wife of an elderly parishioner; perhaps the whole incident-prone pace of the pawky Scottish town in which this richly-human story is set.

First published in 1965, Chaim Bermant's third novel has all the wit, warmth and colour of its critically-acclaimed forerunners.

Chaim Bermant (1929-1998) was born in Breslev, Poland and moved to Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 8. He was educated in Glasgow and became a teacher before joining Scottish TV and then Granada. Bermant became a prominent Anglo-Jewish journalist, and had a regular coloumn in The Jewish Chronicle and occasionally to the national press, particularly The Observer and The Daily Telegraph.

During his lifetime, Bermant wrote a number of scripts for both Radio and Television, including the BBC, as well as several for Anglia TV. Bermant's book, The Squire of Bor Shachor was serialized on the Radio and Bermant also appeared in several productions in person, including, in 1981, one of the BBC's 'Everyman' series. Bermant wrote a total of 31 books; his novels and non-fiction works reflect his sometimes controversial opinions and his observations on Anglo-Jewish society.

Members Reviews:

A Jewish "Annals of the Parish"!

Well narrated. Humorous, well-observed social comedy about a small Scots-Jewish "parish" told by its young (English, rich) Rabbi- who nevertheless adjusts very quickly to the culture shock, manages his snobbish mother (who regards the rabbinate as an occupation not much better than drug-dealing!), relates his experiences with an amusement and love that neither Rev Micah Balwhidder, of John Galt's ill-recognised masterpiece, or Rabbi David Small, Harry Kemelman's wee town amateur detective in Eastern USA, ever achieved.

Scots-Jewish humour is hard to beat, though maybe Irish-Jewish would match up.

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Title: Diary of an Old Man

Author: Chaim Bermant

Narrator: Stephen Thorne

Format: Unabridged

Length: 3 hrs and 55 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-15-15

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

"Yes," as Cyril might say, "being old's all right, once you get past the age of trying to be young."

Diary Of An Old Man is a real tour de force. It covers one winter month in the life of an old man living on a tiny pension. The prosaic events which are recounted - keeping warm, finding accommodation, cooking, reading papers in the local library - conceal an extraordinary feat of imagination on the part of the author: Mr. Bermant's concept of Cyril, his narrator, is so complete that this book is not only intensely moving, but is also a real contribution to an understanding of the human condition.

It has become costumary for a sociologist to speak of "the problem of old age"; but until the "problem" is accepted subjectively, by individuals, it is an empty phrase.

In this very unusual, often very funny book, Mr. Bermant strips the reader of all illusions, and shows just what it is to be old, and poor, and friendless, and yet not to lose a sense of humour or the will to live.

Chaim Bermant (1929-1998) was born in Breslev, Poland and moved to Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 8. He was educated in Glasgow and became a teacher before joining Scottish TV and then Granada. Bermant became a prominent Anglo-Jewish journalist, and had a regular coloumn in The Jewish Chronicle and occasionally to the national press, particularly The Observer and The Daily Telegraph.

During his lifetime, Bermant wrote a number of scripts for both Radio and Television, including the BBC, as well as several for Anglia TV. Bermant's book, The Squire of Bor Shachor was serialized on the Radio and Bermant also appeared in several productions in person, including, in 1981, one of the BBC's 'Everyman' series. Bermant wrote a total of 31 books; his novels and non-fiction works reflect his sometimes controversial opinions and his observations on Anglo-Jewish society.

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Title: The Tale of Pigling Bland

Author: Beatrix Potter

Narrator: Jennifer M. Dixon

Format: Unabridged

Length: 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-12-15

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

The Tale of Pigling Bland - written by Beatrix Potter describing the adventures of the pig of the title and how his life changes upon meeting a soul mate, in much the same way that Potter's life was changing at the time the book was published.

Wonderfully told by Jennifer M. Dixon.

Members Reviews:

Misrepresentation.

This description was EXACTLY what I wanted - The 1941 edition with green cover in a series of 23. I have been sending one of these wonderful little books each birthday and Christmas to my niece. What I received from this order was a1986 edition with white cover. Of course, does not match the series. Not only is there no excuse for misrepresentation, I resent the waste of my time. When I received the wrong book, we were placing our house up for sale. No time to return item at that time. Also lost time looking for authentic item.

Also, the shipment was damaged - edges & corners bent. Not surprising since the shipping "container" should not be allowed for books - especially collectibles. Flimsy plastic wrapper may work for clothing, but offers no protection for books. Should be shipped minimally in padded envelope - better in cardboard folder similar to CD shipping folders.

If you had minus stars - minus 5 for the seller.

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Title: A Christmas Carol (Annotated)

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Kate Shrewsday

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-08-15

Publisher: Kate Shrewsday

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A warming edition of the timeless Victorian Christmas ghost story: a full cast of Yuletide characters brought to life by an English rose with an affinity for Dickens.

Members Reviews:

TV and Movies versions were good, but the book is better. . .

One of my co-workers encouraged me to read this since I have only seen the TV/Movie versions. It was a quick read and very enjoyable. Fortunately, the TV/Movie versions weren't too far off the mark. Regardless, there were facets of the story that you would only get through the book, which is why reading the book will always be my favorite option.

BAH! HUMBUG!! "God bless Us, Every One"

A Christmas Carol is a beloved Christmas favorite. Nothing says Christmas like favorite Christmas stories. This timeless tale has been told in many versions. Iâve seen the movie and play but Iâve never read the book. I thought it was about time to finally read this tale.

The illustrations throughout the book were fun to look at. Not common to find illustrations in books today unless they are children stories.

Lots of great quotes come from this story but the most famous is BAH! HUMBUG! followed by:

"God bless Us, Every One!"

Standalone

As great to read vs as to watch as a production.

We've enjoyed many kinds of productions of this classic Scrooge story. The original makes us 'rise to the occasion' - or at least gets us to mentally take the time to step back in that era. Life was so different, so the real factor is (I think) a little richer, than already assembled viewables. Emotional, and the older language adds some incentive to digging into the story.

A must read!

Dickens has always intimidated me. Somehow, I made my way through high school and college without having to read one of his novels. Finally, a few weeks before Christmas, I decided to give this a try when I learned it is relatively short. I figured if it took some work, at least it wouldn't take all that long. I'm sorry I waited so long. It was impossible for me to separate this from the many versions of A Christmas Carol I've seen over the years. I loved it. I enjoyed the glimpse into the time and place of the story. The story and theme are, of course, legendary.

Don't be intimidated. This is a book everyone should read at least once.

Classic I Know

I have tried this one before and was distracted within the first five chapters but with the advise of a colleague I am going to attempt this one again. I am late 30's and sometimes have a tough time focusing for long spans of time unless the story is captivating from the get go, you have to appreciate writing for the sake of verb-age and description to get into this. So, because it is a classic and I think the classics should be read - I'll give it another go but not looking forward to it despite the wonderful reviews. Hated Pride and Prejudice too - just depends on personal taste I suppose. Loved The Divine Comedy....

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Title: Moll Flanders

Author: Daniel Defoe

Narrator: Laural Merlington

Format: Unabridged

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-15

Publisher: The Classic Collection

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A Puritan tale of sin, repentance, conversion, and redemption from the acclaimed author of Robinson Crusoe.

Moll Flanders, Defoe's 18th century classic novel, is at once a novel of sin and redemption and a playful and beguiling social commentary set between the Puritan age and the Age of Reason. Taking center stage in this whorl of irony, humor, pathos, and religious faith is one Moll Flanders - both the most plausible sinner and the most pious repentant in English literature. Moll is as controversial today as when she first appeared in 1722.

This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

Members Reviews:

Defoe's Best, So Far

Having read only one other Defoe novel before, that being "Roxana", I must say this is my favorite so far, and it seems to be the same for the majority of other readers. It does feel like his books, though short, are a marathon of a read, since there are no chapters or other page breaks that can generally chop up the story, like into different periods of time or different scenes. I guess I am just used to the modern way a story is broken up.

To get to the tale itself, I really enjoyed it, and throughout the whole of it, you really do feel for the woman, who we generally don't know the name of. She goes thru a lot, failed romances, certainly many marriages, abandoned children, broken hearts and a few twists as well that I hadn't expected (thank goodness I never read a synopsis that gave away anything before completing it). I was a little frustrated with the ending, for I wish the author had given a little more description of some of her children that she left behind. For a couple of them, sons I believe, 'Moll' said how torn and saddened she felt about leaving those children behind. I thought it so heartless of her, for, being a mother myself, I could never contemplate abandoning mine, no matter the reason. Or if events parted us, I would never rest until I found him again, or discovered what happened to him. I don't know, I guess that her heartlessness in that regard lost a little bit of my sympathy in the end, since I thought by the end of the tale, we would discover what had happened to all of her children.

I do plan on reading "Robinson Crusoe" soon, but I have a feeling that "Moll Flanders" will remain my favorite of Defoe's

Interesting read

I loved the visual starring Robin Wright, Morgan Freeman and Stockard Channing and trust me when I say the movie version which was based on the book, is about as far removed from the book as possible. That being said, I can only imagine when this was published in 1721, it caused more than a few eyebrows to raise or wigs to pop off readers heads. The author has created a character that repeatedly reinvented herself as her circumstances changed and indeed it's hard not to like her. I did find a few of the scenarios that occurred in the story of historic value, so there is something to be learned from this work. I can't say that I was totally taken with the book but I did find it interesting.

Classic banned novel is full of sex but without vulgar words

This novel, written in the 1700âs, is a classic. Although Moll is often naked in bed, no vulgar words are used to describe the goings on. This gives a sense of excitement to the reader who imagines the goings on.

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Title: Jericho Sleep Alone

Author: Chaim Bermant

Narrator: David Monteath

Format: Unabridged

Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-26-14

Publisher: Audible Studios

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Part Bildungsroman, part hymn to the city of Glasgow, Jericho Sleep Alone is without a doubt the finest book written about the Scots-Jewish experience.

From Bar Mitzvah to an unfulfilling teaching career, Jericho Eli Broock finds himself a perennial outsider and unlucky in love, neither his on-off affair with the flighty Ninna or his financially prudent dalliance with the homely Camilla coming to fruition. Will the sometimes oppressive aid of the Jewish community make all well in his world?

Chaim Bermant (1929-1998) was born in Breslev, Poland and moved to Glasgow, Scotland at the age of 8. He was educated in Glasgow and became a teacher before joining Scottish TV and then Granada. Bermant became a prominent Anglo-Jewish journalist, and had a regular column in The Jewish Chronicle and occasionally to the national press, particularly The Observer and The Daily Telegraph. During his lifetime, Bermant wrote a number of scripts for both radio and television, including the BBC, as well as several for Anglia TV. Bermant's book, The Squire of Bor Shachor was serialized on the radio, and Bermant also appeared in several productions in person, including, in 1981, one of the BBC's Everyman series.

Bermant wrote a total of 31 books; his novels and non-fiction works reflect his sometimes controversial opinions and his observations on Anglo-Jewish society.

Members Reviews:

Glasgow's miles better

There aren't too many hymns of praise to Glasgow ("the dear green place"), but this one has humour, acute social observation, and, ultimately, some resolution, and hope.

This is no misery memoir: misfortunes are bearable, setbacks can be overcome, and even the generational nagging of older relatives (fleeing from pogrom or wars) who did not have the good fortune to grow up in Scotland can be accepted in the end. I am sure Jericho did not sleep alone forever, but Bermant has left us in suspense.

As ever, David Monteath narrates flawlessly, though perhaps I am not an informed critic of English accents outwith the South East.

This is a funny, moving, gentle story about growing up in Scotland, at a specific time, and in a small religious/ethnic community adapting rapidly to Scottishness.

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Title: The Thing in the Hall

Author: E. F. Benson

Narrator: Cathy Dobson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 29 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-22-14

Publisher: Red Door Audiobooks

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Edward Frederic Benson (1867-1940) was an English novelist, biographer, memoirist, archaeologist, and short story writer, best known for his evocative and beautifully narrated ghost and horror stories.

'The Thing in the Hall' is one of the creepiest supernatural tales ever told. Two old friends live next door to one another. One, Louis Fielder dies unexpectedly in horrific and mysterious circumstances.

At the inquest a verdict of suicide while of unsound mind is reached, largely based on the evidence of his friend and neighbour, Dr. Francis Assheton. But when Dr. Assheton himself dies only a week later...

and in exactly the same gruesome circumstances as Fielder, the mystery needs to be investigated.

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Title: The Taming of the Shrew [Russian Edition]

Author: William Shakespeare

Narrator: Vladimir Blagoobrazov, Tatyana Alexeyeva, Lyubov Dobrzhanskaya, Antony Khodursky

Format: Abridged

Length: 1 hr and 9 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-10-14

Publisher: IDDK

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 1 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Radiospektakl' "Ukroshhenie stroptivoj" - po odnoimennoj p'ese v pjati dejstvijah Uil'jama Shekspira, napisannaja v 1593 ili 1594 godu. Central'nyj sjuzhet "Ukroshhenija stroptivoj" svjazan s istoriej uhazhivanija dvorjanina Petruchcho iz Verony za Katarinoj - uprjamoj i nepokornoj damoj, toj samoj stroptivoj. V nachale p'esy Katarina delaet vsjo dlja togo, chtoby ejo otnoshenija s Petruchcho ne sostojalis', no ne menee upornyj Petruchcho postepenno usmirjaet ee razlichnymi psihologicheskimi muchitel'nymi procedurami -"prirucheniem" - poka ta ne stanovitsja v konce koncov poslushnoj nevestoj.

Please Note: This audiobook is in Russian.

Members Reviews:

Old record but very good.

It is an old record of the famous play. So excited to hear it in Russian, I wish to hear other artists playing it too.

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Title: The Christmas Goblins

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Glenn Hascall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-05-14

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

This memorable short story from Charles Dickens may remind you of a Christmas Carole. It is a very different tale, but with a similar outcome. Sometimes we just need something to jar our memory as to why Christmas should be remembered.

Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

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Title: Grief

Author: William Hope Hodgson

Narrator: Glenn Hascall

Format: Unabridged

Length: 1 min

Language: English

Release date: 11-21-14

Publisher: Spoken Realms

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A classic poem written to mirror the pain of the loss of romance. There is no remedy. There seems no hope. The anguish comes through loud and clear in this piece, written by William Hope Hodgson and narrated by Glenn Hascall.