One Thing Needful


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(3.7 stars; 25 reviews)

Can starving children be grateful for the education they receive if, when they ask for food, rich people give them a stone? This is the question in the heart of this rich psychological novel. Lady Lashmore is a typical lady of her time, ruling every aspect of her household and constantly complaining that the poor people in the factory ten miles away bother her. Things change when her son, Lord Lashmore, falls in love with a poor woman. Only then does he understand what is the one thing they need most. Only then does he mature, develop empathy, and see what are the real important things in life. This is a coming of age story, a love story, but, most of all, a story about prejudice and small revolutions. For the world would never be the same and the young generation sees social classes differently. This novel is perfect for fans of Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Gaskell. Readers who love Mary Elizabeth Braddon's other novels will not be disappointed. - Summary by Stav Nisser. (11 hr 31 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 22:41 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 2 15:58 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 3 28:05 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 4 39:15 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 5 27:26 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 6 40:53 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 7 1:11:20 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 8 15:36 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 9, part 1 36:30 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 9, part 2 49:21 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 10 43:14 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 11 16:28 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 12 19:38 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 13 22:19 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 14 29:55 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 15 11:51 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 16 12:52 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 17 35:26 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 18 28:25 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 19 29:59 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 20 12:26 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 21 46:33 Read by Jim Locke
Chapter 22 35:01 Read by Jim Locke

Reviews


(1 stars)

The story started out great, but I couldn't get past chapter five. The second reader was extremely monotone. It ruined it for me when I checked how many more chapters were read by the same man. I'd be thrilled to see the reader of the first three chapters read the entire book.

Bad reading


(1 stars)

I hope somebody will re-read this book for us. It seems nobody could listen beyond the first few chapters. The reader sounds like a robot. I know it's voluntary but there seems no point if one can't actually listen to the book.


(2 stars)

I totally agree with the other listener regarding the second reader! He was horrible! Even my school aged grands asked , “why is that man reading like a robot?” Really bad choice!!! Too bad I was enjoying the story up to that point.

Agreed


(2 stars)

I was very disappointed when the reader switched. I just quit listening to another book because of this reader. I might have to switch to reading the ebook. Sorry, John.


(2 stars)

The story is probably ok reminiscent of Disraeli and Elizabeth Gaskell but I couldn’t listen past chapter 8 due to monotone reader sorry


(3 stars)

I agree with everyone else. the first reader was wonderful, but couldn't finish with the second reader, couldn't keep my attention