The Odd Women
George Gissing
Read by Elizabeth Klett





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?





KE Ford
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





kismazsola
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!





Merle Arrowsmith
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





TwinkieToes
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.





SudeO'hirsch
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





Rebecca
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





epotratz
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.





Excellent Radio Play
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.