The Haunted Woman
David Lindsay
Read by Phil Benson
Isabel Loment is engaged to the affectionate, but unemotional, Marshall Stokes. House-hunting for her aunt, she comes to Runhill Court, an ancient home with a mysterious staircase that is only visible to those with eyes to see it. Ascending the staircase, she meets Henry Judge, the owner of Runhill Court, and a passionate relationship develops, which neither can recall once they have descended the staircase and returned to the everyday world. The Haunted Woman was Lindsay's attempt to write a more commercial novel than its fantasy predecessor, A Voyage to Arcturus. Though neither book was successful in its day, both became cult classics. The Haunted Woman was reprinted as the fourth volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library. (Phil Benson) (6 hr 37 min)
Chapters
Marshall returns from America | 28:10 | Read by Phil Benson |
The visit to Runhill Court | 22:58 | Read by Phil Benson |
In the upstairs corridor | 18:43 | Read by Phil Benson |
The legend of Ulf's Tower | 18:05 | Read by Phil Benson |
Isbel sees herself | 23:11 | Read by Phil Benson |
Judge appears on the scene | 15:23 | Read by Phil Benson |
The dinner-party | 18:07 | Read by Phil Benson |
The picnic | 18:31 | Read by Phil Benson |
What happened in the second room | 22:21 | Read by Phil Benson |
Blanche speaks out | 18:04 | Read by Phil Benson |
Isbel visits Worthing | 19:06 | Read by Phil Benson |
Mrs. Richborough's errand | 19:01 | Read by Phil Benson |
The lunch at the Metropole | 16:26 | Read by Phil Benson |
In the second chamber again | 26:23 | Read by Phil Benson |
The music of spring | 13:35 | Read by Phil Benson |
The musician departs | 16:01 | Read by Phil Benson |
In the twilight | 20:40 | Read by Phil Benson |
A catastrophe | 21:02 | Read by Phil Benson |
The flash of day | 20:29 | Read by Phil Benson |
Marshall's journey | 20:44 | Read by Phil Benson |
Reviews
20th century Brighton meets 7th century Saxony
VLB
This is an eerie "fantasy/gothic romance". The author creates a tangible air of suspense and mystery by the juxtaposition of the prosaic, with the fantastical. In this story, the house (not the characters) is the main protagonist. The legend has it, that the original owner and his house were punished by the trolls for building on their sacred land. It is this "curse", which makes the house unusual, creepy, and not of this earth. Anyone who enjoys F&SF, will find this well worth reading. I would have given this book five stars, if I had not wished for a different ending. However, I concede that other people will probably find the authors ending quite satisfying. Additionally, this British fantasy is enhanced by the British accent of the reader, who does a really good job of narration.
Exquisite Storytelling!
jenniebrown
The book is not your typical "haunted house" tale. It’s a gripping look into the rather uncertain friendship of two people constrained by the social mores of the time. Set in post-Great War England there is an otherworldly feel to the story that promises more and it delivers grandly. The Haunted Woman is beautiful at times and often exquisitely so. Isabel and Judge are inextricably drawn to each other can the secret room guide them to a passion they dare not even imagine? Phil Benson narrates the story flawlessly as usual. Mr. Benson was born to read this fascinating tale!
The Haunted Woman
Geoff
A little gem. Great psychological depth and a pleasing non sentimental ending. The extra dimensional stuff nicely underplayed. And Isbel’s unfolding and self discovery well handled. excellent reading performance. Don’t miss this!
Good story
Kristi B
I very much enjoyed the storu, but as several other reviewers have written, I was disappointed by the ending.
Very enthralling
Sherbk
Very well read. Classic setting in an old house . Very Victorian setting and characters.
Anita
Good Gothic read with excellent reader but ending didn't answer all the questions the story presented
good title
mark Hammond
but why did it end so abruptly?
very good reader.
Ms. Elizabeth
yep! the story does feel incomplete.