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Audiobooks Narrated by Bryan Matthews
Browse audiobooks narrated by Bryan Matthews, listen to samples and when you're ready head over to Audiobooks.com where you can get 3 FREE audiobooks on us
"In this witty and engaging tale, Clovis, a reluctant matchmaker, finds himself entwined in the romantic pursuits of Hugo Peterby, who is determined to win the affections of the charming but talkative Betty Coulterneb. As Hugo grapples with his feelings, he faces competition from the wealthy and enigmatic Mr. Lanner, who has his own ulterior motives for visiting the countryside: a passion for collecting rare bird eggs, particularly those of the elusive rough-legged buzzards nesting nearby."
"Michel de Montaigne's Essays represent a groundbreaking contribution to literature and philosophy, establishing the essay as a distinct literary form. First published in 1580, with subsequent editions expanding the content, Montaigne published over 100 essays, exploring a diverse range of topics from the mundane to the profound.
At its core, Essays is a collection of Montaigne's personal reflections, characterized by a conversational style that invites readers into his intellectual journey. Montaigne's skepticism is a prominent theme; he questions accepted truths and highlights the fallibility of human knowledge. His famous motto, 'What do I know?' encapsulates his belief in the limits of reason and understanding, urging readers to adopt a mindset of inquiry rather than certainty.Humanism and Individual Experience. Montaigne's humanism shines through his respect for individual dignity and experience. He emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge as a pathway to understanding the world. By advocating for learning from both classical texts and personal insights, he encourages readers to explore their own lives deeply."
"The Apparition of Mrs. Veal is a pamphlet published in 1706, often attributed to Daniel Defoe, and is considered one of the first modern ghost stories. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Mrs. Bargrave, a resident of Canterbury, who receives an unexpected visit from her deceased friend, Mrs. Veal, the day after her death.
On September 8, 1705, Mrs. Bargrave is surprised when Mrs. Veal knocks on her door at noon, dressed in a riding habit. The two women engage in a heartfelt conversation where Mrs. Veal expresses a desire to reconnect before embarking on a journey. She discusses their shared past, including books they read together about death and friendship, and asks Mrs. Bargrave to write a letter to her brother regarding her possessions, including a purse of gold.Despite Mrs. Bargrave's initial joy at the reunion, she becomes increasingly unsettled by the peculiar nature of their conversation and Mrs. Veal's refusal to touch anything due to her discomfort. After an hour and three-quarters of conversation, Mrs. Veal hastily departs, leaving Mrs. Bargrave bewildered."
"In a bustling dining hall at the Golden Galleon Hotel, Kenelm Jerton finds himself seated next to a mysterious young woman who has lost her memory and identity. She recalls only that she holds a title, and in her quest to discover who she is, she humorously engages Jerton in a series of tests to eliminate potential identities. As their conversation unfolds, she reveals her whimsical approach to piecing together her past, including an extravagant lunch choice and a failed bet on a horse race."
"The Lumber Room by Saki, also known as H.H. Munro, is a short story that centers around a clever and mischievous boy named Nicholas. Punished by his strict aunt for his rebellious behavior, he is forbidden from joining his cousins on a trip to the beach and is instead confined to the house. As part of his punishment, he is also barred from entering the gooseberry garden.While his aunt focuses her attention on guarding the garden, believing Nicholas will attempt to sneak in, he cleverly devises a plan to explore the forbidden lumber room, a space filled with intriguing and mysterious objects that have been kept away from children."
"Phineas Finn, the only son of a successful doctor in County Clare, Ireland, is sent to London to study law. Encouraged by his friend Laurence Fitzgibbon, he becomes interested in politics and is elected as a Whig MP for Loughshane, a pocket borough controlled by Tory Lord Tulla. Although he has no salary, he decides to pursue a political career on his father's modest allowance.In London, Phineas quickly becomes enamored with Lady Laura Standish, the wealthy daughter of a prominent Whig politician. However, Lady Laura's circumstances compel her to marry Robert Kennedy to settle her brother's debts. Despite this setback, she supports Phineas's political ambitions and helps him navigate the complexities of parliamentary life."
"Washington Square, written by Henry James and published in 1880, is a poignant exploration of love, family dynamics, and societal expectations set in mid-19th-century New York City. The novel centers on Catherine Sloper, the plain and introverted daughter of Dr. Austin Sloper, a wealthy and respected physician.
Catherine's life is heavily influenced by her father's disapproval. Dr. Sloper, who lost his wife during childbirth, views Catherine as a disappointment; she lacks the beauty and brilliance he admired in her mother. This disappointment manifests in his dismissive treatment of her, stunting her emotional growth and leaving her socially awkward.The narrative takes a turn when Catherine meets Morris Townsend, a charming but financially unstable suitor at her cousin's engagement party.
Despite her father's skepticism about Morris's intentions—believing him to be primarily interested in Catherine's inheritance—the two quickly fall in love and become engaged.Dr. Sloper vehemently opposes the match, fearing that Morris is a fortune hunter. In an attempt to separate them, he takes Catherine on an extended trip to Europe, hoping she will forget Morris."
"The Yarkand Manner by Saki is a satirical short story that explores the peculiarities of human behavior through the lens of a fictional newspaper's editorial staff. The narrative begins with Sir Lulworth Quayne and his nephew discussing the phenomenon of migration among both animals and humans.
They reflect on a recent trend where the entire staff of the Daily Intelligencer, a prominent London newspaper, embarks on an ambitious journey to Eastern Turkestan, seeking adventure and new perspectives.Upon their return, however, the staff adopts a mysterious and aloof demeanor known as the 'Yarkand manner.' This change leads to a decline in communication and accessibility, causing confusion and concern among their colleagues and the public."
"The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer, detailing the adventurous journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the Trojan War.
The narrative begins in medias res, twenty years after Odysseus left for Troy and ten years after the war ended. He finds himself trapped on the island of Ogygia, held captive by the nymph Calypso, who is in love with him. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus are besieged by a group of suitors who believe Odysseus to be dead and are vying for Penelope's hand in marriage."
"Edgar Allan Poe's 'A Premature Burial' is a chilling tale of a man's intense fear of being buried alive. The narrator, haunted by the possibility of waking up entombed, becomes obsessed with the idea of being buried prematurely.
After a series of near-death experiences, the narrator's fear intensifies. He devises elaborate precautions to prevent such a fate, including a secret bell system connected to his bed and a will stipulating that his body be kept in a specially constructed vault for three days after his apparent death.
Despite his precautions, the narrator's worst nightmare comes true. He is mistakenly declared dead and buried. Trapped in a coffin, he must fight for his survival against the encroaching darkness, the cold, and the terrifying realization that he may never escape."
"The Sorrows of Young Werther is a classic novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published in 1774. It tells the tragic story of Werther, a young man deeply in love with Charlotte, who is already engaged to another man.
Werther's passionate and introspective nature leads him to become increasingly isolated and consumed by his unrequited love. His emotional turmoil intensifies as he witnesses Charlotte's happiness with her fiancé. Struggling with despair and a sense of hopelessness, Werther ultimately makes a tragic decision.
The novel's exploration of romantic love, emotional intensity, and the complexities of human nature resonated deeply with readers of the time. It became a cultural sensation and is considered a seminal work of German literature."
"Sir Lulworth and his nephew Egbert engage in a conversation following the funeral of Egbert's great-aunt, Adelaide. As they sit down for lunch, Egbert reveals that he has become the executor of Adelaide's estate, which includes sorting through her papers. Among the mundane family correspondence, he discovers a letter from Adelaide's brother, Canon Peter, written shortly before his mysterious death. The letter hints at a troubling relationship with his cook, Sebastien, who had a violent temper and had threatened the Canon after a dispute."
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