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A Woman of Substance

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A Woman of Substance

By: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Narrated by: Bea Holland
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About this listen

 Now a major new Channel 4 series starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera) and Jessica Reynolds (Outlander) from OBE‑honoured, award‑winning author Barbara Taylor Bradford

One girl. One secret. One unstoppable ascent.

In 1905 a young kitchen maid leaves Fairley Hall. Emma Harte is sixteen, single and pregnant.

By 1968 she is one of the richest women in the world, ruler of a business empire stretching from Yorkshire to the glittering cities of America and the rugged vastness of Australia.

But what is the price she has paid?

‘Rivals meets Poldark, with a dash of Downton and Dynasty’ Guardian

'Still a story for our times' The Times

‘ [This] blockbuster 1979 period saga of female empowerment has been remade for a new generation' Daily Mail

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion’ New York Times

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

20th Century Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Feel-Good

Critic reviews

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion.’
New York Times

‘A mighty saga. Little has been so riveting since Gone With the Wind’ Evening News

‘A long, satisfying novel of money, power, passion and revenge, set against the sweep of 20th-century history.’
Los Angeles Times

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the world’s best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

All stars
Most relevant
I first saw Barbara Taylor Bradford on a TV show where they were delving into her family history and I was struck by her class and elegance. I then looked into her background and found her list of books. A woman of substance being the first I've listened to. The duration of 35 hours was daunting but within 30 minutes I knew I would eat this up and I do not have the words to explain how absolutely fantastic this book is. The storyline, the words, the imagination, the bringing to life. How was she able to write Emma's entire lifetime with all the twist and turns with such amazing detail and such creativity and power. This is one of the top 3 best books I've had the pleasure of reading/listening to, and I will be adding all titles to my library. Thank you Barbara for most enchanting story, and to the most perfect narrator to your stories.

Absolutely incredibly amazing!

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I read this book years and years ago and loved it have now listened to it and enjoyed it just as much

Revisited

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I first read this book in 1979/80 when I was 21 and again a couple of times in my 30s and 40s. Barbara’s style of writing is informative and the overall theme is inspiring. I’ve enjoyed listening to this old favourite

Inspiring

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Everything about this book was riveting. couldn't stop listening. It was brilliant. Would recommend

The best one yet on Audible

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An amazing story that I’ve always wanted to read. Thanks to audible I managed to fit this into my daily routine.

Brilliant

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