A “must read”.

I half read, half listened to the excellent book. It is of its time, no doubt, but the Audible rendition makes it easily accessible.
Peter Joyce does a first-rate job of narration. I particularly liked the way, imperceptibly, the voices changed as they got older. Phineas, in particular, as narrator, turns into his father, Abel Fletcher.
The story unfolds slowly and evenly. John Halifax is well fleshed out and the crises are dealt with without fuss or hyperbole.
It also, gently, passes through the various ages of the day. From the persecution of Quakers to the abolition of slavery; it’s all there in the narrative.
I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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Historical Novel

I read this book as a teenager and still have my old copy, much-loved and read many times. The story is set in the early 19th century in the Industrial Revolution and encompasses the bread riots over transition to steam powered machinery in the mills. The hero is introduced as an orphan looking for work, hungry and homeless. He is given work at a tannery, and eventually prospers, marries the love of his life and has a family. He remains loyal and true to his high sense of honour and integrity through many hardships in business and family troubles. It is a charming story and I enjoyed listening to it.

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As relevant now

Although set two hundred years ago, Dinah Craik’s close observation of human nature and her spirituality, make the story as relevant for us today in dealing with life, as it was then. John Halifax, Gentleman is the tale of a poor, orphaned son of a gentleman, making his way in early 19c England, with nothing other than his capacity to work and his moral compass to guide him through life’s dramas and crises. By the end of the story he has become a highly respected and wealthy mill owner.

I first read the book forty-three years ago and remember being moved by it so I thought I’d try the Audible version narrated by Peter Joyce. The depiction of the times, the story, and the narration were as moving as my first encounter. A delight.

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1 person found this helpful

Heart warming Story, Fantastic Narration

I adored this audiobook and didn’t want it to end. It is a heart warming glimpse into life in England in the 1800s and is about the deep friendship of two lads and the strong moral Christian values and rise from poverty of John Halifax and the difference he made to many people’s lives before and during the time of the Industrial Revolution. Highly recommended.

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Very slow storyline

This book is very well narrated and started off quite interesting but began to drag at the half way point. From then on, I did not really enjoy it as the story just got slower and slower until nothing was happening at all.
The book was first published in 1856 and novels of that period are often slow-paced, but compared to the novels of George Elliot and the Bronte sisters this one is far less interesting. But I guess that if you like the works of Thomas Hardy then you might also like those of Dinah Craik.

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