Listen free for 30 days
Listen with offer
-
A London Apprentice
- An Eighteenth-Century Romp Around Decadent Covent Garden
- Narrated by: Judy Graham
- Length: 11 hrs and 43 mins
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
99p for the first 3 months
A London Apprentice
Buy Now for £18.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
Summary
A London Apprentice is a fast moving, sometimes bawdy, story set in 1726.
The underbelly of London is dramatic, with eccentric and theatrical characters creating situations of surprise and adventure.
Amongst the humor and sparkle of this story, the telling of it requires some mature themes and adult situations, theatrical though they may be.
Innocent Fanny Tomlinson, becomes destitute and homeless when her mother dies. Her only relative is Aunt Marie in London, to whom she will apprentice. Leaving all that is familiar, her first encounter of the city is an execution at Tyburn. Arriving safely at the Swan Inn, she is soon abducted into the dangerous underworld of 18th-century London. However, she is befriended by sideshow performers.
Fanny is intelligent, but to survive she must absorb the energy of London. With every step towards her desire for independence, events happen that challenge her principles. Will her association with villains and outcasts destroy her or make her stronger?
Unknown to Fanny, she carries a secret, which will only be revealed if she is worthy.
From slum garrets, gaudy brothels, and molly houses to the bewitching Theatre Royal, Fanny collects colourful friends and acquaintances, whose actions could teach her independence. Will she be brave enough to become a true citizen of London?
The 18th-century was a different world. Life for a vulnerable young woman was very precarious, having to face situations that today are unacceptable. However, the dangers Fanny encounters still remain relevant in the 21st century.
You can follow Fanny’s footsteps by studying John Roche’s London map of 1746.
What listeners say about A London Apprentice
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- squid ink
- 20-08-19
Perfect escape!
A London Apprentice is an exciting Georgian-era romp, part bildungsroman, part historical romance. Innocent, orphaned Fanny Tomlinson must navigate the pitfalls of London to make her way in the world. She encounters bandits, a circus troupe, vice dens and molly houses along the way. The pacey plot keeps you hooked while immersing the reader in the sights, sounds and smells of 18th century London. Even the minor characters leap off the page, and I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes depictions of life at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The ending makes me think there may be a sequel--I hope there is! The versatile voice work brings the cast of characters to life and is a joy to listen to. It has been the perfect escape from 21st century London life!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Mary Lou
- 19-09-19
A London Apprentice
A wonderful period piece superbly read by the narrator who changes her voice and delivery for each character. You are taken back to the London of poverty and riches, colourful descriptions of the theatre, troupes, taverns, bookshops, milliners, butcher's bakers and more. Moving and exciting kept me spellbound.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall3 out of 5 stars
-
Performance3 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Nikki Allen
- 16-12-23
A look under the belly of 18th Century London
A tale of resilience and moral choices set in a desperate London, only ever a slip away from death. A cast of characters spanning society each add a different shade of colour to a bleak backdrop. An enjoyable, spiralling tale of one woman's journey into adulthood as she navigates the tenuous path between passion, purpose and vice.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!