The Garden Party
Katherine Mansfield
Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014)
The Garden Party is a captivating collection of short stories by Katherine Mansfield, one of New Zealand's most esteemed literary figures. Through her keen observations and delicate prose, Mansfield explores the complexities of human relationships and the subtleties of social class.
Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century New Zealand, these stories delve into the lives of characters navigating moments of introspection, joy, and sorrow. Mansfield's unique ability to capture fleeting emotions and the nuances of everyday life sets her work apart, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences.
With themes of identity, class, and the passage of time, The Garden Party offers a rich tapestry of narratives that resonate with both historical and contemporary audiences. Each story is a window into the human condition, making this collection a significant contribution to the world of short fiction.
Chapters
Select a chapter to play
| At the Bay, Part 1 | 44:40 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| At the Bay, Part 2 | 44:41 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Garden Party | 38:11 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Daughters of the Late Colonel | 52:29 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Mr. and Mrs. Dove | 23:39 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Young Girl | 15:26 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Life of Ma Parker | 17:30 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Marriage a la Mode | 27:27 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Voyage | 21:57 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Miss Brill | 14:16 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Her First Ball | 18:05 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Singing Lesson | 15:42 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Stranger | 31:34 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| Bank Holiday | 9:15 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| An Ideal Family | 17:35 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) | |
| The Lady's-Maid | 14:08 | Read by Lucy Burgoyne (1950-2014) |
Reviews
These are top shelf short stories
Vivia LibriVox Populi
One of the best short story collections by women or men there is, set in Victorian era and her volunteers! Yes, a 'but' is coming...read these, but also give yourself the gift of hearing the excellent audiobook version on Overdrive and online libraries. This is not casting aspersions. Ms. Burgoyne has a pleasantly-pitched almost whisky-toned voice. She sounds smart and world-wise. KM's stories ask our narrator to become a sheltered Victorian teen on the day she learns how the other half lives,.and other ingenues. She fits 'Daughters' and 'Maid' very well. don't miss ! Esp. 'garden party'; 'daughters of' and'Lady's maid' Ideal family'. 'At the Bay', was like being at a big outdoor party where you know no one very well and can't follow any conversation--and you start to think maybe that Toddy was a Mickey? I hate when that happens! It's a little long and a little dull like a hot afternoon on vacation you swatting no-see -ums the little kids telling each other boogeyman tales, big sis has a boyfriend...
***BONUS*** Lucy Burgoyne reading!
Momma Gayle
this is a book I have always loved. But the true joy of this recording is a chance to spend tune with the Late Lucy Burgoyne. I love her accent and her conversational delivery. what a treasure to have a classic reader present a classic work. the other readers are wonderful too... but I love Lucy :-)
Rest in peace...
potuc
Although I have never known you, every single death on Earth is a sad, yet joyful event which must be commemorated as best as we can. I cannot talk of your life, for I know naught about it, but I can, and will, pray for your soul. Rest In Peace, Lucy.
Gentle
Abigail Tennant
Gentle stories and gently read.