The Diary of a Provincial Lady cover art

The Diary of a Provincial Lady

Penguin Classics

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The Diary of a Provincial Lady

By: E. M. Delafield
Narrated by: Kirsty Besterman
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About this listen

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.

'January 22nd - Robert startles me at breakfast by asking if my cold - which he has hitherto ignored - is better. I reply that it has gone. Then why, he asks, do I look like that? Feel that life is wholly unendurable, and decide madly to get a new hat'

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.

The Diary of a Provincial Lady is a brilliantly observed comic novel, as funny and fresh today as when it was first written.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio Classics Funny Witty

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Critic reviews

I re-read, for the nth time, E.M. Delafield's dry, caustic Diary of a Provincial Lady, and howled with laughter (India Knight)
I finished the book in one sitting, leaving the children unbathed, dogs unwalked, a husband unfed, and giving alternate cries of joy and recognition throughout (Jilly Cooper)
A Pooterish masterpiece of 20th-century humour (Christopher Fowler)
All stars
Most relevant  
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.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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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.

Wonderful writing, narration not to my taste

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Very very well read, a real tonic that reminds you that life is is funny and give you a bit of perspective and a sense of joy

Fabulously observed and very entertaining

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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,

Excellent

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An understated yet totally engrossing tale. Very funny in a quiet and gentle way. Great performance.

Wonderfully Amusing

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Brilliantly read, gentle English wit, if your tastes run to PG and Pymm this is perfect

Perfect

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Turn off the news, forget the present, close your eyes and listen to the past. It’s amazing how the words of a middle class mother from the early 20th century can resonate in 2024. And our thoughts and worries and inner uncertainties are no different from a bygone age!! Enjoy

So genteel and life affirming

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Read this years ago and loved it
It’s funny and entertaining,
It seems very relatable and wonderfully witty

Funny and endearing

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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.

Definitely worth getting

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The Diary is a wonderful book, wickedly funny and witty. Sadly, this audio recording is a disappointment because the reader’s voice is all wrong. It is too modern, rather arch and too knowing, so a lot of the subtlety and small class-based nuances of the original are lost. I should have listened to the sample.

Wrong voice

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