The Odd Women


Read by Elizabeth Klett

(4.5 stars; 180 reviews)

George Gissing's 1893 novel takes on the 19th century "Woman Question" by looking at themes of feminism, marriage, and love. The novel raises these issues through the lives of several contrasting women: Mary Barfoot, a feminist philanthropist who helps train women for careers; her close friend Rhoda Nunn, who believes marriage is a disastrous choice for women; and Monica Madden, who starts out as one of their protegees but chooses to marry a seemingly kind older man. As Monica experiences the challenges of married life, Rhoda finds herself drawn to Mary's cousin, the charming but apparently profligate Everard. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) (14 hr 8 min)

Chapters

The Fold and the Shepherd 15:38 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Adrift 33:01 Read by Elizabeth Klett
An Independent Woman 12:55 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Monica's Majority 34:32 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Casual Acquaintance 29:33 Read by Elizabeth Klett
A Camp of the Reserve 32:12 Read by Elizabeth Klett
A Social Advance 35:21 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Cousin Everard 31:09 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Simple Faith 22:48 Read by Elizabeth Klett
First Principles 22:11 Read by Elizabeth Klett
At Nature's Bidding 20:58 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Weddings 28:52 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Discord of Leaders 31:01 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Motives Meeting 28:28 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Joys of Home 31:54 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Health From the Sea 30:36 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Triumph 34:09 Read by Elizabeth Klett
A Reinforcement 21:39 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Clank of the Chains 18:49 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The First Lie 16:56 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Towards the Decisive 27:02 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Honour in Difficulties 35:00 Read by Elizabeth Klett
In Ambush 19:59 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Tracked 22:55 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Fate of the Ideal 37:14 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Unideal Tested 28:42 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Reascent 34:22 Read by Elizabeth Klett
The Burden of Futile Souls 30:56 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Confession and Counsel 32:39 Read by Elizabeth Klett
Retreat With Honor 23:18 Read by Elizabeth Klett
A New Beginning 23:49 Read by Elizabeth Klett

Reviews

why such neglect by the reading public?


(5 stars)

the story itself great. as good as Hardy or Elliot. and yet original. How could a guy in Victorian time managed to "get" women's psyche so well? the story reading is a delight. Ms Elizabeth Klutt is one of my favourite readers. reliable and pleasant. beautifully read as usual.

this was strange


(2.5 stars)

The style is really kinda George Eliot like, but more like a weak imitation. The issues of women were and are very important, but I can't help myself thinking that there is some mockery in this book, starting from the title 'Odd Women', cause odd in which shade of meaning? The characters are not deep enough, I guess George Gissing didn't have the talent to write so. There's too much drama, and the whole could have used a good editor. Elizabeth Klett is still a favourite, so all my stars go to her reading.

Excellent reading of an excellent novel!


(5 stars)

E. Klett is a born reader! I've enjoyed every book I've heard her read, but none as thoroughly as this one. The Odd Women is one of the most interesting and insightful stories I've had the pleasure of reading about the multiple facets of the struggles of women's emancipation at the end of the 19th century. The author succeeded in weaving the many strands of these women's destinies into a riveting narrative, which does not disappoint.

Lots to Think About


(5 stars)

While the old-fashioned man's attitude towards his wife is extreme, there are still hints of it today in many households of the older generation, and probably some in the younger, too. The book gives one a lot to think about. Well-developed story, excellent reader. Not a happy story, but worth listening to.


(5 stars)

Liked it. Sad tho real.. And in certain aspects stil applicable, maybe in a different way but we women are always to be struggling against one or other prejudice and expected to fulfil others image of what one should or should not be.. And we women are the worst at judging each other. Great READING.

An unexpected joy


(5 stars)

I stumbled upon this one and decided to give it a try. I'm glad I did. A good lesson on how a fib can have ripple effects that no one expects. EK was superb as usual.

The Odd Women


(2 stars)

Didn't care for this story. It lacked a balanced viewpoint. I actually endured listening to it twice, sure I had missed some subtle aspects of the story, but I don't think I did.


(5 stars)

This was an excellent book that clearly showed the struggles that women and men went through as they fought the age-old battle of the sexes. It was read well, and it was engaging and enlightening.