The Fortunate Foundlings


Read by Helen Taylor

(4.6 stars; 63 reviews)

A story of love and adventure, following the fortunes of a young man and woman each trying to make their way in the wide world. Horatio and Louisa are twins, abandoned in infancy and adopted by a wealthy bachelor. For various reasons both leave his protection and set off independently: Plucky and determined Louisa must defend her virtue and make her way in a man’s world, and her spirited brother seeks his fortune in the army. This energetic narrative gallops from city to court, from battlefield to convent, and across a number of European countries. Written in 1744 (when the novel was just emerging as a form) by actress and prolific author Eliza Haywood, this is an eighteenth century rollercoaster - action packed, passionate, melodramatic, and often unashamedly sentimental. - Summary by Helen Taylor (10 hr 28 min)

Chapters

Chapter I 22:51 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter II 22:43 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter III 19:49 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter IV 26:58 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter V 28:49 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter VI 24:49 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter VII 26:51 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter VIII 23:43 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter IX 26:49 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter X 26:03 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XI 14:04 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XII 32:42 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XIII 24:30 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XIV 27:58 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XV 22:53 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XVI 20:25 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XVII 29:15 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XVIII 27:34 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XIX 24:13 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XX 26:43 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXI 25:47 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXII 30:53 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXIII 15:57 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXIV 30:31 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXV 17:14 Read by Helen Taylor
Chapter XXVI 8:35 Read by Helen Taylor

Reviews

A good use of your ears. Life, love, deception, intrigue, abject poverty to opu…


(5 stars)

This is an interesting story of life in the time of Charles the 12th of Sweden, as viewed through the eyes of twins. It explores the life and expectations open to women and young men and the social, economic, political and religious confines that bind people to class. Inequality gets a good airing. Eliza Haywood, the writer, was a single mother and very prolific writer who died in 1756. Helen Taylor, the reader, is excellent and I often pick books, like this one, on the strength of her reading.

fantastic reader - sweet romances in book


(4 stars)

the reader did a fantastic job! i am very impressed by this reader everytime i hear a book she has read. this book would be enjoyed by ladies i think, more then gentlemen - because it is the story of twins and the romance & love each twin finds in their adventures in the world. its not a very detailed story, so it is some light easy listening with twists of fate weaved in to the tale.

Good story


(5 stars)

Well-written and well-read story with not too heavy of a plot. I daresay this may have been considered slightly scandalous during the time it was written. I do like it.

Great book after some initial hesitation re story line..


(5 stars)

I enjoyed listening to this book. Thank you!


(4.5 stars)

The Perfect Combination: Work AND Reader!


(5 stars)