The Rosery Folk by George Manville Fenn AUDIOBOOK

First published in 1882, "The Rosery Folk" introduces readers and listeners to the tranquil yet subtly charged world of Sir James Scarlett’s country estate. George Manville Fenn, a prolific Victorian author best known for his adventure stories, here turns his perceptive pen to the nuances of English rural life, lending a gentle irony to the age-old interplay of class, conscience, and temptation.

At the heart of the narrative stands the garden—lovingly tended, lush, and resplendent—serving both as a symbol of human aspiration and a stage for moral reflection. Early chapters orbit the vexing mystery of missing grapes, offering more than a whodunit: a pretext for philosophical musings on honesty, human frailty, and the nature of temptation. The old gardener, John Monnick, is rendered with warmth and depth, his confession over a long-remembered pilfered pear quietly illustrating the burdens of guilt and the hope for redemption.

The gentle wit in Fenn’s prose, evident in the exchanges between the headstrong Sir James, his compassionate young wife Lady Scarlett, and their staff, brings the country household to vivid life. There are hints of rivalry with neighboring estates and the quiet pride of cultivating a garden finer than any in the vicinity. Yet beneath the social comedy lies a contemplative spirit. Through city-bred visitors and reflective locals alike, Fenn draws out questions about innocence, justice, and the small compromises that shape a life.

With its evocative rural setting, closely observed characters, and finely wrought atmosphere, "The Rosery Folk" offers listeners an engaging portrait of Victorian society. Those attuned to the subtleties of character and place will find much to admire in Fenn’s attentive storytelling and stately prose.

Audiobook time & format : 6h57m58s, OPUS, 324 Mo
Audiobook free extract time & format : 5m (see below to listen), WAV
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