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Stanley and Elsie

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Stanley and Elsie

By: Nicola Upson
Narrated by: Gabrielle Glaister
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About this listen

The First World War is over, and in a quiet Hampshire village, artist Stanley Spencer is working on the commission of a lifetime, painting an entire chapel in memory of a life lost in the war to end all wars.

Combining his own traumatic experiences with moments of everyday redemption, the chapel will become his masterpiece. When Elsie Munday arrives to take up position as housemaid to the Spencer family, her life quickly becomes entwined with the charming and irascible Stanley, his artist wife, Hilda, and their tiny daughter, Shirin.

As the years pass, Elsie does her best to keep the family together even when love, obsession and temptation seem set to tear them apart....

©2018 Nicola Upson (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd 20th Century Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Romance War

Critic reviews

"An exquisite, lyrical novel...The English countryside of a hundred years past comes alive in every flower, every tender unsent letter, every contrary shifting of the human heart behind a closed cottage door. I absolutely loved it." (Stephanie Cowell, author of Claude and Camille: A Novel of Monet)

"A brilliant evocation of the Bohemian world of artist Stanley Spencer and the women that surrounded him...a work of painterly beauty and deep integrity." (Wendy Wallace, author of The Painted Bridge)

"An intriguing story of artistic temperament, domestic turmoil, and remembrance. Nicola Upson weaves a web of creative and private passions." (Katie Ward, author of Girl Reading)
All stars
Most relevant
I loved it because I learned so much about Stanley Spencer's life and his art.

loved it

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I loved this book , the first half .
Until Patricia arrived and I found myself feeling really sad for the wife and also Dorothy . Also angry at Stanley and found myself saying in my head what my responses would have been . A good story overall

The sadness

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I This book was so cleverly woven. Nicola Upson created characters (based on real people) that came alive. As a reader, it felt as if we were there with them in their lives.

The story is centered around the artist Stanley Spencer. Upson masterfully captures the nuances of his personality and the complexities of his relationships, particularly with Elsie, his housemaid, who becomes an integral part of his life and work. The narrative seamlessly blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling, making the characters’ emotions and experiences deeply relatable.

Upson’s vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines bring the 1930s art scene to life, immersing the reader in the cultural and social dynamics of the time. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the often blurred lines between muse and artist, servant and confidante.

“Stanley and Elsie” is a richly detailed and emotionally resonant novel that not only illuminates the life of a renowned artist but also pays tribute to the unsung heroines who influenced and supported him. It’s a compelling read that stays with you long after the final page is turned.

I absolutely adored this book and feel quite sad that it is finished. It’s brilliant!

An Outstanding Book - and beautifully narrated.

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I really wanted to like this, but I found the writing full of clichés and ultimately a bit irritating.

A good idea for a novel, but ultimately clichéd

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