Episodes

  • 017 - Chapter 17

    017 - Chapter 17
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
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    46 mins
  • 016 - Chapter 16

    016 - Chapter 16
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
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    53 mins
  • 015 - Chapter 15

    015 - Chapter 15
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
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    30 mins
  • 014 - Chapter 14

    014 - Chapter 14
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • 013 - Chapter 13

    013 - Chapter 13
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • 012 - Chapter 12

    012 - Chapter 12
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • 011 - Chapter 11

    011 - Chapter 11
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
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    26 mins
  • 010 - Chapter 10

    010 - Chapter 10
    Feb 20 2026
    Published in 1812, “The Absentee” by Maria Edgeworth delves into the social injustices that plagued 19th-century Britain. The narrative focuses on the absenteeism of Anglo-Irish landlords, particularly as we follow the lives of Lord and Lady Clonbrony. Struggling with debt, Lord Clonbrony faces the consequences of neglecting his estate, while Lady Clonbrony yearns to distance herself from her Irish roots to gain status among London’s elite, known as “the ton.” Their son, Lord Colambre, however, is skeptical of high societys allure and retreats to the family estate in Ireland, where he uncovers the deep-seated issues caused by their absence. Maria Edgeworth, a trailblazer in realistic fiction and one of her eras most celebrated novelists, provides a keenly satirical look at societal manners and a compassionate portrayal of regional life. Her work earned the admiration of literary giants such as Jane Austen and Sir Walter Scott. Notably, “The Absentee” is included in the prestigious list of “1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die.” - Summary by Bruce Pirie
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins