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The Diary of a Provincial Lady
- Penguin Classics
- Narrated by: Kirsty Besterman
- Series: The Provincial Lady, Book 1
- Length: 22 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Classics
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
This Penguin Classic is performed by Kirsty Besterman, an experienced TV and theatre actress known for her leading role as Lady Macbeth in the National Theatre Tour, as well as a number of roles with Shakespeare's Globe and the RSC.
It's not easy being a Provincial Lady in Devonshire in the 1920s, juggling a grumpy husband, mischievous children and a host of domestic dilemmas - from rice mould to a petulant cook. But this Provincial Lady will not be defeated; not by wayward flower bulbs, not by unexpected houseguests, not even by the Blitz. She will continue to preside over the W.I., endure rain-drenched family picnics and succeed as a published author, all the while tending to her strawberries.
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What listeners say about The Diary of a Provincial Lady
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Seagull
- 13-05-21
Definitely worth getting
I first came across the Provincial Lady years ago, and was pleased to find that these audiobooks do her full justice. The reader brings out the full humour of the writing and, for the cost of just one credit, struck me as terrific value. Would highly recommend.
3 people found this helpful
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- Pamela
- 03-09-20
Has a charm!
Yes this certainly has a period charm and is full of historical interest to that time. And undoubtedly is an ideal listen for someone convalescing or if one is feeling a little fragile and one needs a comforting listen. But my first major gripe is that the narrator who is portraying a woman of a particular rank and class consistently mispronounces words. Maybe the producer should be blamed for not correcting her either way it's very jarring to hear plaid pronounced as played which maybe sounds posher to someone's idea or Aldous as Ald you owse. I shall not give more examples but leave that to the listener. There is a Mitford-esque charm but lacks the wit and depth.
And unfortunately listening to the Diary books as a collection it soon becomes very transparent the constant repetition of the same ideas over and over again e.g. the Vicar's wife asking for ridiculous items and or favours to be done. So perhaps might be better to do in parts.
Ultimately this is certainly a matter of taste and preference and for me was not hilarious or even mildly funny. And although compared to P G Wodehouse Jerome K Jerome and Diary of a Nobody I find this incomprehensible as those to me are laugh out loud funny but this not so for me.
3 people found this helpful
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- Amelia
- 16-03-20
Thoroughly enjoyable
What a wonderful book. I could relate to so many of the Provincial Lady’s worries and joys, and laughed out loud listening to her tales. It is incredible to think how modern and relevant her musings are 80 years on. Loved it and didn’t want it to end.
3 people found this helpful
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- Isobel
- 05-08-22
Wonderful writing, narration not to my taste
I adore these books, but the slightly slack vowels of this narrator do not convey the essential upper middle class nature of the “Lady” in question to me. I much prefer the crisp delivery in the version of Georgina Sutton. I bought this version in order to have all the books together but the delivery has a modern twang to it that interferes with my enjoyment.
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- DVBUK
- 20-02-22
Wonderfully Amusing
An understated yet totally engrossing tale. Very funny in a quiet and gentle way. Great performance.
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- Annie
- 24-07-21
Excellent
This is one of the most, if not the most, entertaining audiobooks I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. I was so sad when it ended. It's as relevant today as when it was written. The narrator was truly marvellous, she enhanced the enjoyment of the book no end and brought it to life in a way that few narrators can.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience and one which is highly recommended to others,