A Girl of the Limberlost


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.8 stars; 388 reviews)

A Girl of the Limberlost follows the journey of Elnora Comstock, a young girl living in the enchanting yet challenging environment of the Limberlost Swamp in early 20th-century Indiana. As she navigates the complexities of adolescence, Elnora grapples with her dreams of education and independence against the backdrop of her family's struggles and the natural world that surrounds her.

Set in a lush, vibrant landscape, the novel explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the bond between humanity and nature. Elnora's passion for the natural world drives her to seek knowledge and understanding, while her relationships with her mother and peers reveal the societal expectations placed upon young women of her time.

Gene Stratton-Porter, a noted naturalist, infuses the narrative with rich descriptions of the Limberlost's flora and fauna, making the swamp itself a character in the story. This coming-of-age tale not only highlights the beauty of the natural world but also addresses the challenges of personal growth and the pursuit of one's aspirations.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Chapter 01 35:28 Read by Kymm Zuckert
Chapter 02 19:41 Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
Chapter 03 23:07 Read by Kara Shallenberg (1969-2023)
Chapter 04 35:17 Read by Deborah Clark
Chapter 05 20:16 Read by Deborah Clark
Chapter 06 28:58 Read by Heather Barnett
Chapter 07 43:03 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Chapter 08 11:39 Read by Kirsten Ferreri
Chapter 09 25:13 Read by Deb Bacon-Ziegler
Chapter 10 36:44 Read by Deb Bacon-Ziegler
Chapter 11 29:26 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 12 44:31 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 13 31:11 Read by Sarah Key-DeLyria
Chapter 14 20:00 Read by Kymm Zuckert
Chapter 15 22:57 Read by Kymm Zuckert
Chapter 16 22:29 Read by Arctura
Chapter 17 31:45 Read by Arctura
Chapter 18 20:28 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 19 23:52 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 20 15:19 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 21 29:27 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 22 33:53 Read by Mary Anderson
Chapter 23 23:29 Read by Betsie Bush
Chapter 24 21:58 Read by Betsie Bush
Chapter 25 34:58 Read by Kymm Zuckert

Reviews


(5 stars)

Every girl should hear this story. An incredible balance of sugary sweet wholesomeness and dark realism. This is a powerful tale of morality and dignity. On a slightly negative note ch 16 and 17 (i think) were read by a soft spoken woman (named ankala?) who is so difficult to understand and mispronounced several words so badly that I had to rewind to puzzle them out.

Amazing Book, Good Readers!


(5 stars)

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this rendition of what is, in my eyes, a wonderful classic. A Girl of the Limberlost is one of my favorite books! Gene Stratton Porter is an artist when it comes to using enchanting style and word choice to convey the thoughts and experiences of her delightful characters. The readers also do a good job using tonal variance, making this book not only a good story, but a much appreciated listen.


(5 stars)

I know this is fiction but there are humble, generous, hard working, and loving humans that are forged in suffering like Eleanor. Unfortunately, hardship and suffering leaves the majority, ugly, bitter, lazy and ungrateful There is beauty in this author's protagonist as she takes even more joy in another's healing and happiness and not just her own.


(5 stars)

Listen to the 1st book , "Freckles" 1st, by the same author, also available on Librivox.

Another So Beautiful, can't stop listening, Story


(5 stars)

So delighted to have found a new writer, in the vein of Isabella Alden,. It's a can't stop listening, can't put it down book! What an amazing writer,! The quality of the characters and promoting of Good honouring people of integrity... Refreshing and inspiring .. will be looking for the rest of this Author's work. and thank you to the Wonderful readers - great work bringing the characters to life!

A beautiful story with a wonderful ending


(5 stars)

I love the symbolism of the moths emerging from their cases and becoming beautiful creatures before the eyes of the various characters in this story. It really does give me hope that God can work a change like that in me. The volunteers did a great job reading this masterpiece. Thank you!

Great Essential Read


(4.5 stars)

This has been one of my favorite books since I was a little girl.


(5 stars)

loved it! the characters are beautiful and the description of nature is inspiring