The Cloister and the Hearth


Read by Tom Denholm

(4.7 stars; 23 reviews)

'The Cloister and the Hearth', by Charles Reade, was published in 1861. It's a long and winding picaresque novel set in 15th century Europe, telling the story of the love between Gerard Eliason, an artist turned priest, and Margaret Brandt, the daughter of a poor scholar, and reflects the conflict between family and church which overshadowed the lives of so many in medieval times.
Its uniqueness lies in the way Reade, having meticulously researched his subject and the period, gives us insights more detailed than any other writer of fiction into medieval lifestyles and morals, combined with vivid descriptions of his characters – many based on real historical figures – and locations. He deliberately strays towards a medieval writing style, with many an archaic word to tantalise the reader or listener (an education in itself).
Until well into the twentieth century, ‘The Cloister and the Hearth’ was considered one of the greatest novels in the English language. Its popularity may have faded, but those who have read it will tell you of the enduring power of Reade’s tour de force. A revival is long overdue, and is deserved: it’s an exceptional book.
- Summary by Tom Denholm (36 hr 16 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 36:08 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 2 36:45 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 3 25:43 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 4 14:34 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 5 3:55 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 6 8:37 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 7 23:10 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 8 14:38 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 9 25:53 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 10 31:37 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 11 13:20 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 12 11:37 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 13 9:05 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 14 11:51 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 15 6:01 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 16 3:19 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 17 10:29 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 18 2:38 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 19 15:50 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 20 17:03 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 21 5:02 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 22 3:55 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 23 12:48 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 24, Part 1 43:20 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 24, Part 2 43:40 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 25 35:01 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 26 34:37 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 27 18:46 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 28 14:41 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 29 3:02 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 30 16:32 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 31 10:05 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 32 16:23 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 33, Part 1 45:19 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 33, Part 2 40:50 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 34 20:06 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 35 4:10 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 36 38:04 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 37, Part 1 39:27 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 37, Part 2 38:42 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 38 29:54 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 39 21:04 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 40 37:31 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 41 8:25 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 42 31:02 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 43 11:15 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 44 6:08 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 45 7:06 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 46 33:54 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 47 26:52 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 48 6:08 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 49 15:32 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 50 47:42 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 51 7:53 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 52 10:19 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 53, Part 1 49:32 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 53, Part 2 46:46 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 53, Part 3 47:41 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 54 45:24 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 55 25:51 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 56 22:56 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 57 7:11 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 58 25:41 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 59 17:16 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 60 47:55 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 61 44:24 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 62 8:39 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 63 24:33 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 64 8:25 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 65 4:31 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 66 8:20 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 67 4:16 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 68 5:57 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 69 12:01 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 70 6:46 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 71 5:07 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 72 49:01 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 73 11:42 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 74 33:42 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 75 9:42 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 76 13:47 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 77 16:34 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 78 15:44 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 79 8:32 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 80 9:06 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 81 5:30 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 82 32:39 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 83 14:49 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 84 7:41 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 85 9:10 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 86 9:29 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 87 17:41 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 88 10:56 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 89 10:49 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 90 12:24 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 91 54:45 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 92 28:17 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 93 31:56 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 94 35:25 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 95 34:49 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 96, Part 1 41:23 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 96, Part 2 46:24 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 97 4:17 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 98 2:20 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 99 15:59 Read by Tom Denholm
Chapter 100 5:25 Read by Tom Denholm

Reviews

Superb !!


(5 stars)

Excellently written tale of adventure, faith, goodness & romance. The narration was perfect !! The voice of the reader was made for this story ! I cannot imagine it better read by anyone else !

Great book great reader


(5 stars)

Love this recording


(4 stars)

Long but that's no criticism. Lots of historical detail and characters so drawn as to have me wondering about them when not centre stage. I regretted my lack of Latin and French; however, this didn't seriously mar the story. Fluent and expressively read. Many thanks.


(5 stars)

Laughter, angst, tears, love, treachery and betrayal are hallmarks of every age. This charming and exciting book is beyond a gem. Well read and content quite appealing.