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Bliss & Other Stories cover art

Bliss & Other Stories

By: Katherine Mansfield
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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Editor reviews

In Mansfield's stories the level of detail is astonishing, and each central character so fully present that when the climax comes, the listener draws a breath of surprise and simultaneous recognition of the necessary and often painful truths of life. This recording presents six of the thirteen stories originally published together in the 1920s - how lucky we are to have even these six. Each is served up by Juliet Stevenson as a rare delicacy, each character brought forth with perfect accent and timbre, each tale with full awareness of every nuance. The result? The listener is blessed with the good fortune of hearing two great storytellers working in concert, and it is absolute bliss.

Summary

One of Katherine Mansfield's finest short stories, "Bliss" introduces us to Bertha, who experiences a sense of rapture as she reflects on her life. On her walk home one day, she is overwhelmed by a sense of bliss and contentment.

However, her joy later turns to disappointment as she discovers her husband is having an affair with her new friend Pearl.

Katherine Mansfield became well-known for her focus on psychological conflicts and complex characters; and "Bliss" displays these qualities brilliantly, exploring themes of marriage, adultery and duplicity. This set also contains five other short stories by Katherine Mansfield: "Mr Reginald Peacock's Day", "Pictures", "The Little Governess", "Feuille D'Album", and "A Dill Pickle".

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2008 Naxos Audiobooks (P)2008 Naxos Audiobooks

What listeners say about Bliss & Other Stories

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Beautiful readings of sublime stories

As ever, Juliet Stevenson reads these profoundly moving stories so beautifully that these gems really come alive. More please!

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Loved every word of it

There is such truth in these stories though they are set in a time so different from ours. I'm deeply moved. The words are beautiful and thoughtfully written and so perfectly read by Juliet Stevenson with perfect timing and tone. I can't imagine a better reader for the book. I loved every word of it. A pity it's only 2.5hrs long. This is one of my favourite Audible books.

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