Classic Stories
Classic Stories
  • 22
  • 102 541
Miss Anstruther's Letters by Rose Macaulay
In the smouldering ruins of wartime London, Miss Anstruther faces an agonising choice. As bombs rain down and her building burns, she must decide what to save from the encroaching flames. Amidst the chaos, she suddenly remembers the most precious items she owns: letters from her deceased lover. Rose Macaulay's "Miss Anstruther's Letters" is a poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the objects that tether us to our past. Written in the aftermath of Macaulay's own devastating experiences during the Blitz, this story offers a deeply personal glimpse into the human cost of war and the intangible casualties that often go unrecorded.
Each week, I will narrate a story written by one of the masters of the literary short story. I will then give my response to the stories and discuss any themes and topics that arise from them.
#audiobook
มุมมอง: 1 436

วีดีโอ

Face of My People by Anna Kavan
มุมมอง 677หลายเดือนก่อน
In Anna Kavan's haunting short story "The Face of My People," we encounter Kling, a man adrift in a world he no longer recognizes. Confined to a psychiatric ward in a foreign land, Kling grapples with a past too painful to articulate and a present that seems to reject his very existence. As the staff and fellow patients struggle to understand him, Kling's isolation deepens, revealing layers of ...
Lovers of the Lake by Seán Ó Faoláin
มุมมอง 1.5Kหลายเดือนก่อน
In Sean O'Faolain's "Lovers of the Lake," a middle-aged couple's annual pilgrimage to a sacred Irish island becomes a crucible for their illicit relationship. As Jenny grapples with the weight of her Catholic upbringing and Bobby confronts his own skepticism, their love affair is tested against the backdrop of ancient rituals and modern desires. O'Faolain's nuanced portrayal of faith, passion, ...
Listen To The Magnolias by Stella Gibbons #audiobooksfree
มุมมอง 15Kหลายเดือนก่อน
Listen to the Magnolias by Stella Gibbons was published in 1954. This poignant short story transports us to a small English town during World War II, where the arrival of American troops shatters the stifling routine of suburban life. Through the eyes of a woman trapped in her own fears and societal expectations, we witness a powerful transformation. In this nuanced narrative, Gibbons explores ...
I Spy A Stranger by Jean Rhys #audiobooksfree #booktube
มุมมอง 31K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
Jean Rhys's "I Spy A Stranger," published in 1960, offers a penetrating exploration of suspicion and alienation through the story of Laura, a refugee from Nazi-occupied Europe. Set in wartime England, the narrative exposes the fragile nature of community bonds as Laura becomes the target of mounting distrust in a small town. Rhys's keen observations of human nature reveal how quickly fear can t...
The Nose by Nikolai Gogol #audiobook
มุมมอง 1.1K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
A classic of Russian literature: Step into the absurd and captivating world of Nikolai Gogol's "The Nose," where the ordinary collides with the extraordinary in the streets of 19th-century St. Petersburg. This satirical masterpiece follows the bizarre misadventures of Collegiate Assessor Kovalev as he grapples with an inexplicable and surreal predicament that turns his life-and the city-upside ...
The Library of Babel by Jorge Luis Borges
มุมมอง 8712 หลายเดือนก่อน
Prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey through the infinite corridors of Jorge Luis Borges' "The Library of Babel." This captivating tale will transport you to a universe where every possible book ever written - and yet to be written - exists within a vast, labyrinthine library. As you listen, you'll find yourself grappling with profound questions about knowledge, meaning, and the very nat...
Wireless by Rudyard Kipling
มุมมอง 2.1K2 หลายเดือนก่อน
Step into the mysterious world of Rudyard Kipling's "The Wireless," where science and the supernatural intertwine in a captivating blend of curiosity and mystique. Follow the tale of Mr. Shaynor, a consumptive chemist's assistant, as he traverses the realms of poetic inspiration, enigmatic transmissions, and the fragile dance between belief and skepticism. Join me on a journey through a setting...
The Lagoon by Joseph Conrad
มุมมอง 1.9K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
Step into the realm of Joseph Conrad's literary mastery with a tantalizing narration of his intriguing short story, "The Lagoon." Delve into a world of isolation, love, and moral complexities set against the exotic backdrop of Southeast Asia, where characters navigate loyalty, betrayal, and the haunting shadows of their pasts. Join us on a captivating journey through Conrad's vivid imagery and ...
The Gift of The Magi by O Henry With Commentary #audiobookclub #literaryanalysis
มุมมอง 7693 หลายเดือนก่อน
Imagine a world where love outweighs gold, where sacrifice becomes the greatest gift of all. Step into the lives of Jim and Della, a young couple in New York City, as they navigate the bittersweet challenge of Christmas giving with empty pockets but full hearts. O. Henry's timeless masterpiece, "The Gift of the Magi," weaves a tale of irony and devotion that will leave you questioning the true ...
The Lees of Happiness by F Scott Fitzgerald With Commentary
มุมมอง 5K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
"The Lees of Happiness," is a poignant tale by F. Scott Fitzgerald that captures the essence of true love, the trials of life, and the enduring bonds of friendship. Follow the journey of Jeffery and Roxanne Curtain, whose blissful marriage faces unexpected challenges that test their devotion and resilience. Witness the contrast between their pure, innocent love and the tumultuous relationship o...
The Garden Party by Katherine Mansfield With Commentary
มุมมอง 4.2K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
Step into the world of Katherine Mansfield’s "The Garden Party," a tale that exquisitely unravels the delicate threads of class, empathy, and self-awareness. Join Laura Sheridan on a transformative journey from her privileged, idyllic garden party to the stark, sobering reality of a neighbouring tragedy. This timeless story, rich with vivid imagery and poignant themes, invites you to explore th...
The Dead by James Joyce with Commentary
มุมมอง 1.5K3 หลายเดือนก่อน
Each week, I will narrate a story written by one of the masters of the literary short story. I will then give my response to the stories and discuss any themes and topics that arise from them.
Spring in Fialta by Vladimir Nabokov With Commentary
มุมมอง 5K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
"Spring in Fialta," is a masterpiece of memory and missed connections by Vladimir Nabokov. This evocative short story whisks listeners away to a Dalmatian seaside resort, where the past and present blend through the wistful reminiscences of Victor. As he navigates the labyrinth of his own emotions and encounters with the enigmatic Nina, Nabokov's signature prose paints each scene with vivid, ly...
Forgotten Dreams by Stefan Zweig with Commentary
มุมมอง 1.2K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Imagine a serene Mediterranean villa where a woman's tranquil afternoon is interrupted by an unexpected visitor from her past. As they reminisce, buried feelings and forgotten dreams resurface. Yet, instead of a tale of rekindled romance, Stefan Zweig's "Forgotten Dreams" reveals a stark and honest confession that challenges the ideals of love and materialism. Join me as we delve into this mast...
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti: The Weirdest Poem Ever?
มุมมอง 9654 หลายเดือนก่อน
Goblin Market by Christina Rossetti: The Weirdest Poem Ever?
Solid Objects by Virginia Woolf #narration
มุมมอง 1.1K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
Solid Objects by Virginia Woolf #narration
A Rose For Emily by William Faulkner #audiobooknarrator
มุมมอง 9K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
A Rose For Emily by William Faulkner #audiobooknarrator
The Man Who Loved Islands by D H Lawrence #audiobook
มุมมอง 13K4 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Man Who Loved Islands by D H Lawrence #audiobook
The Lady With The Dog by Anton Chekhov
มุมมอง 3.7K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Lady With The Dog by Anton Chekhov
First Love and Other Sorrows by Harold Brodkey #audiobook
มุมมอง 1.3K5 หลายเดือนก่อน
First Love and Other Sorrows by Harold Brodkey #audiobook
The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin
มุมมอง 4645 หลายเดือนก่อน
The Story of An Hour by Kate Chopin

ความคิดเห็น

  • @beenice1555
    @beenice1555 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Thank you! Very well read

  • @ronnieadamson6998
    @ronnieadamson6998 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Love your eclectic mix and sending us off to ferret out these gems but your little quips and asides are priceless.

  • @ronnieadamson6998
    @ronnieadamson6998 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I found you through your critique on jean rhys. Love your selections and analysis - wonderful listening. Thank you.

  • @lilianisland2921
    @lilianisland2921 13 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Great story and wonderfully read! All I could think was what on Earth did she ever do to deserve her fate? Heartbreaking what we do to each other.

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    F Scott Fitzgerald, a favorite of mine. Elegant, gripping , painful story, narration, and commentary. Much to think about in this tale. Thank you, Tony.

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z 17 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Very thought provoking Thank you.

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z 18 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Elegant. Thank you. Thought provoking as always.

  • @amandine512
    @amandine512 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I’m more reassured by people who say they believe in God these days, and I myself do not.

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z 19 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Touching, moving story. Vivid narration. Wise, thought-provoking, compassionate commentary . Thank you for mentioning the difficulties of being on the spectrum, ADHD, CPTSD in a neurotypical world. Thank you very much Tony

  • @vickislominski7618
    @vickislominski7618 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I agree with your commentary. Some will make excuses for or justify Kitty's behavior, but she is simply a self-absorbed woman. This story is a classic tale of "you can become bitter (after tragedy) or you can become better."

  • @PnarUcar-yg4ov
    @PnarUcar-yg4ov 20 วันที่ผ่านมา

    But that frozen smile on her lips😊

  • @marymary5494
    @marymary5494 25 วันที่ผ่านมา

    👌💕

  • @annatjiebeattie4984
    @annatjiebeattie4984 26 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I was swept away to such lovely times and places. Beautifully read.

  • @marymary5494
    @marymary5494 หลายเดือนก่อน

    👌💕

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z หลายเดือนก่อน

    Disturbing. Gripping story. Thank you, Tony, for defending those unable to defend themselvs.

  • @SusanRabens
    @SusanRabens หลายเดือนก่อน

    I enjoy your commentaries. They often encourage me to re-listen for the subtleties conveyed. You know these authors and I don’t. Thank you 😊. I like tapioca pudding! To each his own ❤

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z หลายเดือนก่อน

    I would save my Dog Nico first and return for any book I could grab.....no letters left. Beautiful story masterfully narrated. Thank you, Tony

  • @AliceWatts-d3v
    @AliceWatts-d3v หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, I’ve been listening too Louis Penny & her insights & observations have been so resonant for me. Great ready & discussion 😊

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ditto, Tony. Thank you so much. Much, much appreciated.

  • @MartiWilliams-r2z
    @MartiWilliams-r2z หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you, Tony. Gripping, disturbing, thought-provoking. Masterful as always.

  • @tzaph67
    @tzaph67 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I thought the title, Face of my People, was more to do with him being broken and weighed down by the hard heavy stone feeling in his heart i.e. his true face had been disfigured and concealed by the pain of fighting someone else’s war.

  • @tzaph67
    @tzaph67 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fabulous Tony, thank you. I really like Anna Kavan, I discovered her when facilitating reading groups and was always looking for new short story writers. I found this story really moving (she gets a lot of injections into her tales!) I didn’t get the feeling that Cling had been a traitor - though possibly he’d been tricked in some way. The way the stone in his breast grew could have been a metaphor for increasing realisation about it. Equally it could have been growing loneliness and dehumanisation. I was so pleased the nurse and vile doctor couldn’t understand what he said - it would have been used to belittle and punish him without a doubt. The doctor was a ghastly man with a really cruel attitude to his patients. I wonder how many of them ended up worse rather than better because of him. Beautifully read as always - I really love these Classic Tales you’re doing - I love all your channels but I think this may be becoming my favourite.

  • @denisedecarlo9311
    @denisedecarlo9311 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I LOVED the story AND your explanation...beautiful...thank you

  • @hollywebster6844
    @hollywebster6844 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've been a subscriber to Classic Ghost Stories for quite a while and I'm really enjoying this channel, too. I very much appreciate being introduced to new authors and new works from favorite authors. Thank you, Tony!

  • @CarolWoodhouse-w2s
    @CarolWoodhouse-w2s หลายเดือนก่อน

    Amazing story and loved your additional insights. Thank you very much..x

  • @morganlowe3353
    @morganlowe3353 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Tony Tony Tony. I love these stories ❤️

  • @micheleshave323
    @micheleshave323 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I really like the stories and the way you narrate them. I have to say though the stories are made even better with your commentary. It is my favorite part of the video. Thank you for your efforts 😊

  • @Story-Voracious66
    @Story-Voracious66 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So beautifully melancholic. Let's hang on to melancholy, it's not a mental illness, it's a nice,soft, blue-grey place to stay sometimes. I found my family plot online in the wee small hours; I've never visited it, for oh so many reasons,(no regrets though). A photo of it showed that all of the names have peeled away, and I thought "I must ask my Dad about it", only to remember that he too is now ashes in a box. I have been that sparkler burning my trail. I have lived my life caught on a breeze. Who will remember us? Thank you Tony for this story and your thoughts. I believe that Gods exist because we do, but it doesn't make them any less real, because for their sake someone else is living this story right now.

    • @classic-literaturesstories
      @classic-literaturesstories หลายเดือนก่อน

      I truly appreciate your kind words and the depth of your reflection. It means a lot to hear how my story resonated with you.

    • @LucicPower
      @LucicPower หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Story-Voracious66 melancholy and the bittersweet I s a great feeling, just ask Percy Shelley

    • @Story-Voracious66
      @Story-Voracious66 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@LucicPower💜

  • @fetlock
    @fetlock หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think Miss A. is grieving her own lack of will and self-possession as much as she is her lost love. Beautiful sad story, beautifully read. Thank you!

  • @rameyzamora1018
    @rameyzamora1018 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Well hang on...if an author writes a poignant & masterful story about the past then it isn't gone forever at all. It's now a truthful artwork available to anyone to experience & include in their life.

  • @ajcbng8289
    @ajcbng8289 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wonderful story. That it echoes her real life-- Oof. If you don't tear up... 😢 Thank you for your artful reading as always. 🙏

  • @nancynickerson4341
    @nancynickerson4341 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you Tony, this was excellent. I found it interesting that Miss Anstruther's letters were not the first things she thought to rescue from the fire. Instead, she looked for mostly practical items that would have been useful for rebuilding her life in the future. Subconsciously, was she less interested in the relationship with her lover than she thought? I wonder.

  • @LucicPower
    @LucicPower หลายเดือนก่อน

    Discovering a lot of these authors new to me is gonna make life as a pensioner much better

  • @ropeburnsrussell
    @ropeburnsrussell หลายเดือนก่อน

    Haven't listened yet, but i know I'll like it. Tony is hitting his stride as a teacher🤓

    • @classic-literaturesstories
      @classic-literaturesstories หลายเดือนก่อน

      I hope you aren't disappointed!

    • @ropeburnsrussell
      @ropeburnsrussell หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@classic-literaturesstories I've been listening for years and I've never been disappointed yet.

    • @MartiWilliams-r2z
      @MartiWilliams-r2z หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@classic-literaturesstories Never.

  • @susanr1277
    @susanr1277 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The West might be the most Irish part but it's also the land of the dead. The time had come for Gabriel to begin his journey westward has always suggested to me that now, beyond all the trivial things that make up a life, he is conscious of where he's headed.

    • @classic-literaturesstories
      @classic-literaturesstories หลายเดือนก่อน

      You’ve captured the essence of Gabriel’s journey beautifully! It’s fascinating how the West embodies both life and death in Irish culture.

  • @rebeccalangsdorf2072
    @rebeccalangsdorf2072 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Love your analysis!

  • @marchegrundmann1232
    @marchegrundmann1232 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I love your stories and your open mind

  • @eshaibraheem4218
    @eshaibraheem4218 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Many thanks.

  • @cobrajewel
    @cobrajewel หลายเดือนก่อน

    The island where Rhys was born is pronounced doh-mi-NEE-kah.

  • @franken-pattern
    @franken-pattern หลายเดือนก่อน

    Such a graceful story read so brilliantly! Thank you kindly, Mr. Walker 😊

    • @classic-literaturesstories
      @classic-literaturesstories หลายเดือนก่อน

      Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you enjoyed the story.

  • @keymeter1917
    @keymeter1917 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thx. This story / stories are excellent.! Never heard of this chap before. 📚💞

  • @mariaaaa1128
    @mariaaaa1128 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful narration

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Wow! *D.H. Lawrence* ... Thank You *Tony*

  • @susanr1277
    @susanr1277 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I listened to two stories read by AI. Emphasis in the wrong places, no warmth, and no sense it understands what the story actually means.

  • @mariakarvouni5267
    @mariakarvouni5267 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved this. Retired mental health social worker. Read a few of her books years ago. Soul wrenching

  • @charlesashurst1816
    @charlesashurst1816 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What will these fiction writers come up with next?

  • @desireecrossing
    @desireecrossing หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am wondering if there is any way we can support you by gifting money through a thanks button here? I see you have Patreon but trying to avoid recurrent payments in my life!

    • @classic-literaturesstories
      @classic-literaturesstories หลายเดือนก่อน

      I think youtube do a Superthanks thing, but buymeacoffee.com/10mn8sk

  • @desireecrossing
    @desireecrossing หลายเดือนก่อน

    Loved this story! Totally unexpected. Thanks for sharing!

  • @jennyjewell5635
    @jennyjewell5635 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I can re- read Cold Comfort Farm endlessly and laugh every time. I like the gentle taking the mick from D H Lawrence and such eg Seth vs Mellors. My conversation often peppered with phrases such as “I’ve been out with the pruning snoot all day” “something nasty in the woodshed” I could go on but if you haven’t read the book you’d just think I’m barmy which as I’m Sussex born and bred I probably am.