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South Riding cover art

South Riding

By: Winifred Holtby
Narrated by: Carole Boyd
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Summary

In this rich and memorable evocation of the fictional South Riding of Yorkshire are the lives, loves and sorrows of the central characters.

There is Sarah Burton, fiery young headmistress; Robert Carne of Maythorpe Hall, a councillor tormented by his own disastrous marriage; Jo Astell, a socialist fighting poverty and his own illness; and Mrs Beddows, the first woman Alderman of the district (like Winifred's own mother). They are the people who work together in the council chambers and backrooms of local politics. Alongside them, however, are the people affected by their decisions.

©2009 Winifred Holtby (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about South Riding

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a true classic

beautifully read, a wonderful set of characters depicting all life whether in 1930 or now

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Evocative

I had goosebumps as the ending was read. A fantastic story with convincing characters. I’ve gardened, cleaned and thinned my wardrobe whilst listening - a moving story to potter to. I will definitely re-listen to this at some stage.

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Wonderful!

An excellent story of English life before the Second World War with memorable characters and thought provoking political ideas. Perfectly and movingly narrated. I really enjoyed it.

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A new favourite listen

I had not read any Winifred Holtby books before reading and listening to ‘South Riding’. What a pleasure to hear Carole Boyd giving a voice to the myriad of Yorkshire characters. This is one audible book I will most definitely listen to again and I shall look for more narrations by Ms Boyd.

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Absolutely wonderful

I read South Riding when i was still at school but had forgotten completely the story. When I saw that it was available on Audible with it being read by Carole Boyd it was an opportunity too good to miss. The story although being set in the 1930s didn’t seem as dated as it might have been. Carole Boyd made the book really accessible using all the vocal change of characters done so brilliantly. Was sorry when it ended although I did get slightly confused with the characters starting with S. Will listen to it again definitely.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

South Riding

I took me some time to get into it. But then I could hardly put down my earphones intrigued by the story as well as the wonderful listening. Probably not the book you like to read whilst roasting on the beach but being snuggled up on a sofa with a cup of tea and biscuits or a long journey you do not have to concentrate on the traffic.

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13 people found this helpful

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  • 04-09-20

Excellent

I really enjoyed this book, a portrait of life in the 30s. Characters who held your interest. I had feared it might be a bit dated, bur no. First class narration.

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3 people found this helpful

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Please read this beautiful book.

A really beautifully written book, full of pathos. I was really moved at times. Its gentle pace and message keeps you involved. The most surprising thing was just how contemporary it felt, it's not dated a day, and she's quite upfront about sex and mental health.

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enjoyable

I really enjoyed this , it took a bit off time to get into the story but once I did I couldn't not continue to listen , the narrator was extremely good and the story excellent, you could get to know the characters , I will listen to it again

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  • Overall
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Evocative story, stays with you.

Fantastic narrator, covers all characters with differing voices and personalities, makes it feel like a drama not a novel. Lengthy so quite a commitment but worthwhile. Timeless story with strong female lead characters, and Holtby makes you empathise with all the individuals depicted.

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