Shirley Audiobook (Unabridged)

Set in the industrialising England of the Napoleonic wars, a period of bad harvests, Luddite riots, and economic unrest, Shirley is the story of two contrasting heroines and the men they love. One is the shy Caroline Helstone, trapped in the oppressive atmosphere of a Yorkshire rectory, whose life represents the plight of single women in the 19th century. The other is the vivacious Shirley Keeldar, who inherits a local estate and whose wealth liberates her from convention.

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"This is actually my favorite of all of Charlotte's books, and despite the general stance that it isn't as well developed or polished as her other works I actually find it very mature and by far the most epic and social in its scope. Though not on par with MIDDLEMARCH it is in a similar vein, with hints of Hugo and Dickens in both the subject matter and cast of characters. All three of the principles are compelling, finely drawn folks and Catherine's transformation, the most complete arc in the novel, is acutely etched and deeply satisfying: she earns the man she loves in a way that seems rarely depicted in literature of this time period. Without a doubt is the book given to moments of melodrama but it also manages to keep its head above the gothic trappings Bronte makes so intrinsic to her other works. A compelling, thought provoking read that lingers with you for a long time afterwards."

— Stuart (5 out of 5 stars)