
The Card, a Story of Adventure in the Five Towns
An Ambitious Young Man's Rise to Success in theIndustrial Landscape of the Five TownsBy Arnold BennettLength8h 29m
About this audiobook
In "The Card: A Story of Adventure in the Five Towns," Arnold Bennett crafts a vivid narrative that captures the essence of life in the English Potteries during the early twentieth century. The novella follows the fortunes of Edward Henry Machin, an ambitious young man whose entrepreneurial aspirations lead him through comedic misadventures and social entanglements. Bennett's rich characterizations and attention to regional detail imbue the story with authenticity, while his deft prose balances humor and pathos, providing a nuanced depiction of aspiration and the often-painful realities of social mobility. The book fits within the literary context of the Edwardian period'Äôs focus on realism and localism, highlighting both the charm and limitations of small-town life. Arnold Bennett, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century literary scene, was deeply influenced by his roots in the Five Towns region. His own experiences growing up in the potteries informed the settings and characters he vividly depicted in his works. Bennett's understanding of class dynamics and the complexities of human ambition lends a profound depth to "The Card," elevating it beyond mere entertainment to a thoughtful exploration of human nature and societal constraints. I highly recommend "The Card" to readers interested in early modern British literature and those seeking a witty yet poignant exploration of ambition and identity. Bennett'Äôs masterful storytelling and keen observations make this novella a timeless reflection on the pursuit of dreams amid societal expectations, ensuring its relevance for contemporary readers.
Audiobook details
GenreGeneral Fiction
Length8 hrs 29 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 25, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1CHAPTER I
13CHAPTER VII
2THE DANCE
14THE RESCUER OF DAMES
3CHAPTER II
15CHAPTER VIII
4THE WIDOW HULLINS'S HOUSE
16RAISING A WIGWAM
5CHAPTER III
17CHAPTER IX
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6THE PANTECHNICON
18THE GREAT NEWSPAPER WAR
7CHAPTER IV
19CHAPTER X
8WRECKING OF A LIFE
20HIS INFAMY
9CHAPTER V
21CHAPTER XI
10THE MERCANTILE MARINE
22IN THE ALPS
11CHAPTER VI
23CHAPTER XII
12HIS BURGLARY
24THE SUPREME HONOUR