The Home-Maker


Read by Maria Kasper

(4.6 stars; 75 reviews)

The Knapp family seems as though they ought to be happy, yet hidden frustrations are tearing them apart under the surface. As the family breadwinner, Lester Knapp drags himself reluctantly to his job each day, miserable in the harsh world of commerce and business, longing for a quiet life at home with his books. Meanwhile, Evangeline Knapp is admired as an excellent housewife, yet the limited challenges of that life are driving her to perfectionism and boredom. The Knapp children are affected by their parents' unhappiness, the youngest child acting out in frequent tantrums, and the two older children tense and nervous. When an accident puts Lester in a wheelchair and sends Evangeline out to work, their family and friends see it only as a tragedy. Yet Lester discovers his true calling at home, developing his own relaxed style of housekeeping, while discerning the individual needs and personalities of the children. And Evangeline discovers her true calling in the business world, demonstrating both creativity and organizational skills, thriving on the daily challenge and mental stimulation. Before long, the entire family realizes that they are all blossoming into a new happiness. But will this unconventional arrangement of gender roles be allowed to continue? Or will circumstances force the Knapps to return to the lives that made them miserable? - Summary by Maria Kasper

Chapters

Chapter 1 22:54 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 2 39:55 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 3 19:13 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 4 24:22 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 5 10:51 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 6 6:33 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 7 26:57 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 8 27:44 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 9 25:03 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 10 17:49 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 11 22:10 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 12 8:02 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 13 9:46 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 14 18:21 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 15 17:01 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 16 19:03 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 17 33:53 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 18 8:06 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 19 21:20 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 20 24:37 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 21 38:52 Read by Maria Kasper
Chapter 22 8:13 Read by Maria Kasper

Reviews

a tour de force


(5 stars)

This book hits the ground running on page one and doesn’t let until the end. The reader is perfectly matched with the theme, one of the few books I will listen to again and again.

Very Insightful


(5 stars)

What a gem! This book gets some very, very important insights and points across, without preaching. One becomes invested in the characters, right from the beginning. It addresses two of the biggest problems with society - the effects of having and not having, and the effects of being able to do what one is suited to do, on people, on a deeply personal level. The author does this with a perfectly crafted, highly interesting story. I completely disagree with the review that says it is long-winded. In fact, I wish there was a sequel. Many thanks, to the reader, for a job well done.

Beautifully Written


(5 stars)

This book was a bestseller in 1921, and it holds up wonderfully. I particularly love the first chapter, in which we experience the thoughts and emotions of an angry woman who doesn't understand children, and her 5-year-old son's overwhelming fear. It's rare that a book written for adults also takes the young characters seriously. I think this book belongs with the classics


(3 stars)

Interesting principle provided in the story, but its very long winded. I sped it up x3 and still easy to understand. Well narrated.


(5 stars)

A bizarrely "happy" ending although not quite. interesting. challenging. beautifully narrated.


(5 stars)

Touching story of male and female roles in traditional American family.


(5 stars)

Wonderful story, so touching and deeply moving.


(4.5 stars)

Interesting that gender roles were so firmly held to as not let people live to whom they want to be. That society could not even imagine a stranger taking care of their children and that is the norm today. Maybe for the better? or maybe not.