Demos: A Story of English Socialism


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(3.4 stars; 5 reviews)

"Richard Mutimer is delighted to inherit a large fortune. As a socialist, he means to use it well: he will open a factory in which workers would be treated well, he will advance his party's causes through his own wealth... At least, so he thinks. But reality may be far different. This novel raises more questions than answers. How much should money play in the marriage market, or can love have a prominent place? Can a man who gained power remain a socialist? This book is not only about political unrest. It is a story of a man who changes, for better or worse, and all the forces that shape him. Like other works by Gissing, it describes the London slums in the 19th century, the conditions of the working class, and a few families (some dysfunctional and some great). It was a favourite of George Orwell's, who developed some of Gissing's earlier themes in his own works. It is also reminiscent of works by authors such as Anthony Trollope. It is the only novel by Gissing which was adapted into film." - Summary by Stav Nisser

Note: There are two chapters in this book with the same number: XXVI, apparently a numbering error in the printed edition. The audiobook follows the same numbering. (20 hr 55 min)

Chapters

Chapter I 33:00 Read by KHand
Chapter II 18:49 Read by KHand
Chapter III 14:20 Read by Farheen
Chapter IV 30:02 Read by Farheen
Chapter V 36:36 Read by Farheen
Chapter VI 39:41 Read by Farheen
Chapter VII 37:10 Read by TRUEBRIT
Chapter VIII 53:08 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter IX 56:54 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter X 44:23 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XI 15:50 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XII 44:39 Read by Lynne T
Chapter XIII 42:07 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XIV 32:09 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XV 27:47 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XVI 54:25 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XVII 37:26 Read by Martin
Chapter XVIII 18:28 Read by Martin
Chapter XIX 37:18 Read by Philippa
Chapter XX 36:42 Read by Philippa
Chapter XXI 45:13 Read by Philippa
Chapter XXII 22:09 Read by Philippa
Chapter XXIII 22:21 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXIV 36:24 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXV 20:18 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXVI 26:46 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXVI 34:32 Read by Gnomesb
Chapter XXVII 16:55 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXVIII 38:25 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXIX 33:47 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXX 38:25 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXI 46:50 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXII 31:52 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXIII 21:07 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXIV 20:22 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXV 45:06 Read by Roxanna Nazari
Chapter XXXVI 44:07 Read by Roxanna Nazari

Reviews

Roxanna Nazari has a fine voice


(4 stars)

but some technical problem makes it sound both muffled and tinny at same time. Is there any free software i can download, like an equalizer and some other adjustments to make it easier to listen too? Excellent story. Although I am a democratic socialist the protagonist here is so zealous he makes things worse than better for working folks and the regional community in general. And he compartmentalizes the fact that he has inherited much wealth but the region does not benefit properly or at all from his wealth.

ellene


(0.5 stars)

Made it to chapter four. Still introducing characters. Reader tolerable but dialogs unbearable. Story incoherent. Best to pass on this one.