
The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family
Enriched edition. Satirical Family Saga in Victorian EnglandBy William Makepeace ThackerayLength39h 20m
About this audiobook
In "The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family," William Makepeace Thackeray provides a profound satirical exploration of Victorian society, delving into themes of class, morality, and the interplay between personal aspiration and social expectation. The narrative unfolds through the lens of the Newcome family, epitomizing the struggles of respectability amidst a rapidly changing society. Thackeray's distinctive narrative style, characterized by its wit and keen observation, delivers a rich tapestry of character portraits and societal critique, offering readers a window into the complexities of familial duty and social ambition in the 19th century. William Makepeace Thackeray, renowned for his critical acumen and keen social insight, draws upon his own experiences in Victorian England to craft this engaging novel. His background as a journalist and a keen observer of human folly informs the storytelling, as he navigates the intricacies of social hierarchies and the human condition. Thackeray's insightful portrayals of ambition and failure reflect not only his own path but also the broader societal dynamics of his time, positioning him as a critical voice of the Victorian era. "The Newcomes" is a masterful blend of humor, pathos, and social commentary that invites readers to reflect on the nature of respectability and the pursuit of personal values against societal constraints. For anyone intrigued by the intersections of family, ambition, and class in literature, Thackeray's work remains an essential read that skillfully captures the complexities of human relationships.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreLiterary Classics, Humor
Length39 hrs 20 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 22, 2019
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
23CHAPTER XXXV. Across the Alps
2Introduction
24CHAPTER XXXVII. Return to Lord Kew
3Synopsis
25CHAPTER XXXIX. Amongst the Painters
4Historical Context
26CHAPTER XLI. An Old Story
5Author Biography
27CHAPTER XLIII. Returns to some Old Friends
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6The Newcomes: Memoirs of a Most Respectable Family
28CHAPTER XLV. A Stag of Ten
7CHAPTER I. The Overture—After which the Curtain rises upon a Drinking Chorus
29CHAPTER XLVIII. In which Benedick is a Married Man
8CHAPTER II. Colonel Newcome's Wild Oats
30CHAPTER XLIX. Contains at least six more Courses and two Desserts
9CHAPTER IV. In which the Author and the Hero resume their Acquaintance
31CHAPTER LII. Family Secrets
10CHAPTER VI. Newcome Brothers
32CHAPTER LIV. Has a Tragical Ending
11CHAPTER VIII. Mrs. Newcome at Home (a Small Early Party)
33CHAPTER LVII. Rosebury and Newcome
12CHAPTER X. Ethel and her Relations
34CHAPTER LVIII. “One more Unfortunate”
13CHAPTER XII. In which everybody is asked to Dinner
35CHAPTER LX. In which we write to the Colonel
14CHAPTER XV. The Old Ladies
36CHAPTER LXIV. Absit Omen
15CHAPTER XVIII. New Companions
37CHAPTER LXVII. Newcome and Liberty
16CHAPTER XXI. Is Sentimental, but Short
38CHAPTER LXX. Chiltern Hundreds
17CHAPTER XXIII. In which we hear a Soprano and a Contralto
39CHAPTER LXXIII. In which Belisarius returns from Exile
18CHAPTER XXV. Is passed in a Public-house
40CHAPTER LXXVI. Christmas at Rosebury
19CHAPTER XXVII. Youth and Sunshine
41CHAPTER LXXX. In which the Colonel says “Adsum” when his Name is called
20CHAPTER XXIX. In which Barnes comes a-wooing
42Analysis
21CHAPTER XXXI. Madame la Duchesse
43Reflection
22CHAPTER XXXIII. Lady Kew at the Congress
44Memorable Quotes