The Home-Maker
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Read by Maria Kasper
The Knapp family seems as though they ought to be happy, yet hidden frustrations are tearing them apart under the surface. As the family breadwinner, Lester Knapp drags himself reluctantly to his job each day, miserable in the harsh world of commerce and business, longing for a quiet life at home with his books. Meanwhile, Evangeline Knapp is admired as an excellent housewife, yet the limited challenges of that life are driving her to perfectionism and boredom. The Knapp children are affected by their parents' unhappiness, the youngest child acting out in frequent tantrums, and the two older children tense and nervous. When an accident puts Lester in a wheelchair and sends Evangeline out to work, their family and friends see it only as a tragedy. Yet Lester discovers his true calling at home, developing his own relaxed style of housekeeping, while discerning the individual needs and personalities of the children. And Evangeline discovers her true calling in the business world, demonstrating both creativity and organizational skills, thriving on the daily challenge and mental stimulation. Before long, the entire family realizes that they are all blossoming into a new happiness. But will this unconventional arrangement of gender roles be allowed to continue? Or will circumstances force the Knapps to return to the lives that made them miserable? - Summary by Maria Kasper (7 hr 30 min)
Chapters
Chapter 1 | 22:54 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 2 | 39:55 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 3 | 19:13 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 4 | 24:22 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 5 | 10:51 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 6 | 6:33 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 7 | 26:57 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 8 | 27:44 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 9 | 25:03 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 10 | 17:49 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 11 | 22:10 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 12 | 8:02 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 13 | 9:46 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 14 | 18:21 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 15 | 17:01 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 16 | 19:03 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 17 | 33:53 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 18 | 8:06 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 19 | 21:20 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 20 | 24:37 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 21 | 38:52 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Chapter 22 | 8:13 | Read by Maria Kasper |
Reviews
a tour de force
Michele Fry
This book hits the ground running on page one and doesn’t let until the end. The reader is perfectly matched with the theme, one of the few books I will listen to again and again.
A LibriVox Listener
Wonderful story, so touching and deeply moving.
thank you
Janel Sturzen
I found this old book at a garage sale and it is such a surprising little gem. If I ever had a quiet moment to read a book so others could share it, it would be this one. But that hasn't happened. I'm very glad you have done it instead, thank you for the donation of your time and for sharing this book.
Beautifully Written
Phxjennifer
This book was a bestseller in 1921, and it holds up wonderfully. I particularly love the first chapter, in which we experience the thoughts and emotions of an angry woman who doesn't understand children, and her 5-year-old son's overwhelming fear. It's rare that a book written for adults also takes the young characters seriously. I think this book belongs with the classics
eva
This was the BESY book I have heard! My mind will be full for quite a while. I don’t even want to start a new one until this is fully digested
jenny
Interesting principle provided in the story, but its very long winded. I sped it up x3 and still easy to understand. Well narrated.
NZ Nikki
A bizarrely "happy" ending although not quite. interesting. challenging. beautifully narrated.
Rebecca Mitchell
Touching story of male and female roles in traditional American family.