Sons and Lovers (Version 2)


Read by Tony Foster

(4.5 stars; 49 reviews)

Lawrence summarised the plot of Sons and Lovers in a letter to Edward Garnett in 1912:

“It follows this idea: a woman of character and refinement goes into the lower class, and has no satisfaction in her own life. She has had a passion for her husband, so her children are born of passion, and have heaps of vitality. But as her sons grow up she selects them as lovers — first the eldest, then the second. These sons are urged into life by their reciprocal love of their mother — urged on and on. But when they come to manhood, they can't love, because their mother is the strongest power in their lives, and holds them...”

The present reader tells the story in his authentic regional English, featuring the East Midlands dialect used by Lawrence in the more intimate exchanges between characters. (Summary prepared by Martin Geeson.) (16 hr 21 min)

Chapters

Chapter I - Part 1 - THE EARLY MARRIED LIFE OF THE MORELS 33:03 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter I - Part 2 - THE EARLY MARRIED LIFE OF THE MORELS 33:04 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter II - Part 1 - THE BIRTH OF PAUL, AND ANOTHER BATTLE 20:56 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter II - Part 2 - THE BIRTH OF PAUL, AND ANOTHER BATTLE 26:32 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter III - THE CASTING OFF OF MOREL--THE TAKING ON OF WILLIAM 28:31 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter IV - Part 1 - THE YOUNG LIFE OF PAUL 29:23 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter IV - Part 2 - THE YOUNG LIFE OF PAUL 33:02 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter V - Part 1 - PAUL LAUNCHES INTO LIFE 35:33 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter V - Part 2 - PAUL LAUNCHES INTO LIFE 35:59 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VI - Part 1 - DEATH IN THE FAMILY 32:34 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VI - Part 2 - DEATH IN THE FAMILY 31:13 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VII - Part 1 - LAD AND GIRL LOVE 28:12 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VII - Part 2 - LAD AND GIRL LOVE 20:26 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VII - Part 3 - LAD AND GIRL LOVE 41:31 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VIII - Part 1 - STRIFE IN LOVE 40:05 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter VIII - Part 2 - STRIFE IN LOVE 39:07 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter IX - Part 1 - DEFEAT OF MIRIAM 28:46 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter IX - Part 2 - DEFEAT OF MIRIAM 25:42 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter IX - Part 3 - DEFEAT OF MIRIAM 33:03 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter X - Part 1 - CLARA 26:43 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter X - Part 2 - CLARA 30:46 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XI - Part 1 - THE TEST ON MIRIAM 29:49 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XI - Part 2 - THE TEST ON MIRIAM 27:05 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XII - Part 1 - PASSION 32:46 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XII - Part 2 - PASSION 28:47 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XII - Part 3 - PASSION 31:15 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XIII - Part 1 - BAXTER DAWES 41:55 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XIII - Part 2 - BAXTER DAWES 40:57 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XIV - Part 1 - THE RELEASE 32:19 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XIV - Part 2 - THE RELEASE 35:25 Read by Tony Foster
Chapter XV - DERELICT 26:52 Read by Tony Foster

Reviews

Sons and Lovers


(5 stars)

Read beautifully by Tony Foster in authentic Nottinghamshire accent. A wonderful story by a wonderful author made perfect by the reading. Thank you.

Tony Foster is one of my favorite readers....


(5 stars)

and a superb voice actor . I am but a part the way through -- Chapter V , part 2 , "Paul Launches into life" . It appears to be another fine novel by DH Lawrence . His style is a unique blend of 19th century romantic and 20th century modern . Dear Mr. Foster , I am so appreciative that you are working on Emile Zola's "Germinal" . Also , We'd be so grateful if you would do a solo or be part of a collaborative for another reading of "The Nether World" by George Gissing . Chapters 23 to last chapter 40 , are read in such a casual manner you would think the reader thought he was reading a technical manual .

Fantastic reading of a fantastic book


(5 stars)

A very powerful story that explores the relationship between mother, son snd his lovers. Often it seems philosophical - which is usual for D.H. Lawrence - and appears to explore Freudian concepts. It's gripping throughout - helped in part by a truly excellent reading by Tony Foster in an authentic accent.

Amazingly read


(4 stars)

not really my style of psychological book, too much beating about the bush... way too many words for my liking, describing the same idea, not going and not getting anywhere. However, amazingly read by Tony Foster. he deserves 5 stars, the book only 3.

Family romance among the coal-miners.


(5 stars)

D H Lawrence's most satisfying novel is narrated here by a brilliant reader (Tony Foster - new to me) with a warm Northern voice just right for the book. 10/10 - can't imagine it done better, Tony.

The incredible narrator made all the difference!


(5 stars)

I've tried listening to this book before and didn't connect but when I heard this narrator, it made all the difference! the narration made the story all the more worthwhile to listen to.

weird novel, great reader


(5 stars)

A weird novel which reflects Lawrence's confused sexuality. Nevertheless, full of great passages of deep introspection of the character's feelings and confused personality. A good novel, beautifully interpreted by Tony Foster.

Great novel about relationships!


(5 stars)

Well-written. A picture of a time gone by. Universal themes of love, family and relationships, from inte of the great authors.