Cranford by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell AUDIOBOOK

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s Cranford is a charming and gently humorous portrait of life in a small English town during the 19th century. Based on the author’s own observations of Knutsford, the village where she grew up, Cranford offers a warm, witty, and affectionate look at the customs, values, and quiet dramas of provincial society.

Centered around a group of genteel but financially modest women—especially the endearing Miss Matty and her friends—the novel explores themes of tradition, social change, resilience, and friendship. Through a series of loosely connected episodes, Gaskell invites listeners into a world where simple acts of kindness, quiet strength, and community support form the backbone of daily life.

Though light in tone, Cranford is rich in social commentary, gently critiquing class distinctions, gender roles, and the tension between progress and nostalgia. With its delightful characters and thoughtful insight into the human condition, the novel remains a beloved classic that continues to resonate with modern audiences.

This audiobook beautifully captures Gaskell’s graceful prose and keen observational humor, making it a perfect listen for fans of character-driven stories, historical settings, and timeless themes of empathy and endurance.

Audiobook time & format : 7h8m20s, WAV, 1.14 Go

Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV

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