Showing results by author "Margaret Oliphant" in All Categories

Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.

Three BBC radio adaptations of famous novels by the prolific 19th-century author Mrs Oliphant - plus an episode of Reading Aloud, with extracts from her autobiography. Sometimes called ‘the feminist Trollope’, Margaret Oliphant wrote more than 100 works of fiction in a wide variety of genres, ranging from novels of small-town life to historical tales and supernatural stories. Included here are three of her best-loved works, brimming with dry wit, perceptive irony and flawed but fascinating heroines.

Almost always when we think of Ghost Stories, we first think of those written by the Victorians. Whatever the reasons given or proffered the reality and known facts are that if you want a really good ghost story to bring that edge of chill, that foreboding of dread, that feeling that in an empty house we are not quite alone and that sometimes the sharp, sheer shock of what just happened is upon us then look no further than ‘The Victorian Ghost Story’ for your listening pleasure.

Over the course of 47 years, Victorian writer Margaret Oliphant produced 120 novels, biographies, and histories, as well as hundreds of essays and book reviews. "She was of an intellect so alert," wrote J. M. Barrie, "that one wondered if she ever fell asleep." Widowed young, she was the sole support of her children and her nieces, whom her brother had abandoned: a powerful impetus for her prodigious output. The two novels included here reflect the difficulties that Victorian wives had when their lives took unexpected turns.

Elinor has made the momentous decision to marry, but the identity of her chosen partner remains a tantalizing mystery. Who is this man? Is he of good character, or does he harbor secrets from a shadowy past? Could he even have a wife? Join us as we unravel the enigma surrounding Elinors heart. - Summary by LynneT

Step into the world of Miss Marjoribanks, one of the captivating entries in Margaret Oliphants Chronicles of Carlingford. Written between 1861 and 1876, this novel, alongside two short stories and five others, first graced the pages of the renowned Blackwoods Magazine. Oliphant, a prolific author of her time, often portrayed strong, independent women in her works. In fact, some have likened Miss Marjoribanks to a modern-day Emma from Jane Austens classic, though with a sharper focus, a resolute nature, and a strategic mindset that sets her apart. Join us as we explore the intricate social ...

Una stanza nascosta all'interno di un misterioso castello dalla forma tentacolare; una ragazza bellissima, apparsa dal nulla e impossibile da toccare; uno spirito misterioso che si manifesta nelle rovine di un vecchio maniero. Giocando sul contrasto tra la paura e il fascino dell'ignoto, in questa raccolta di racconti horror Margaret Oliphant sfrutta gli schemi classici del genere gotico in maniera innovativa, arricchendoli di descrizioni realistiche e suggestive che gettano il lettore al centro della storia, davanti al confine che separa sanità e follia.

The story opens with Mrs. Murray strolling alongside two of her grandchildren by the tranquil banks of Loch Arroch in the picturesque Scottish borderlands. While they appear to embody wealth and distinction, the family harbors deep-seated troubles, and difficult sacrifices loom on the horizon. Join us as we delve into a tale of love, loss, and the complexities of familial bonds. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

In Hester, Catherine Vernon expertly navigates the complexities of family and business. She has high hopes for her young protege Edward, whom she cherishes like a son. However, everything changes with the arrival of Hester, a spirited 14-year-old girl who matches Catherines determination. Their initial clash transforms as they discover a shared bond through their mutual affection for Edward. While at its heart a love story, Hester stands out for its groundbreaking portrayal of women in the business world. - Summary by Anne Erickson

In the midst of Victorian England, where social status and snobbery reign supreme, Phoebe Beecham embarks on a journey of discovery that unravels her familys intriguing history. As she navigates the complexities of religion and politics, Phoebe learns that the past holds secrets that could challenge the very foundations of the social order. - Summary by Lynne T