(*) Your listen progress will be continuously saved. Just bookmark and come back to this page and continue where you left off.
A thrilling spy story, a children's adventure, a charming portrait of early twentieth century life in London and the countryside and a heart warming family tale are all combined in this classic of children's literature The Railway Children by E Nesbit. The book has remained on the list of the best-loved children's books ever since it was first published as a serial story in The London Magazine in 1905. Later, it was published in book form and won acclaim from critics and readers across the world for its wonderful elements of character and plot. Edith Nesbit the author published more than sixty books during her long and illustrious career as a children's writer. She was considered to be the first modern children's writer and departed from the hitherto focus on fantasy and fairytale type of themes that were considered suitable for children. Apart from writing for children, she wrote several novels for adults. She also dabbled in poetry, horror fiction and collaborations with other writers. Her works include another famous book, The Secret Garden which also explores the childhood landscape and influenced generations of children's writers. She was also a political activist and laid the foundations for the present Labor Party in England. Her dominant themes were children in real life settings, contemporary events, children's encounters with the mysterious and often nefarious activities of grown-ups, a deep psychological insight into the mind of a child and the enduring love of nature, family relationships and the simple pleasures of countryside life. The story opens with the description of three little Londoners who enjoy an ordinary, peaceful life in the city with visits to the Zoo and Madame Tussauds. They have a charming, well-appointed home and loving parents. Things take a sudden turn for the worst when Father suddenly leaves after receiving mysterious “bad news.” Mother decides equally suddenly to move with the children to the country-side and here begins their adventure with the railways. They befriend a strange Old Gentleman who invariably travels on the 9.15 train from near their home and get drawn into bizarre and dangerous events. Said to be based on contemporary events such as the Dreyfus Affair, Russian dissidents who were fighting the Tsarist regime and the circumstances leading up to World War I, The Railway Children though ostensibly written for children certainly appeals to readers of all ages. It has been adapted extensively for radio, stage, television and screen and has retained its freshness and thrill over the hundred plus years since it first made its debut.
O how I loved this story. The reader really brings it to life. I laughed I cried I cringed. Absolutely wonderful presentation. Thank you for reading this.
I love the book and the reader!!!!
This is such a fun book to listen to, the reader is excellent. A perfect match!
this is agreat story filled with sadness
I love it soo much it amazing!
This book is awesome
This is a wonderful book with a bit of sadness what makes this book wonderful and beautiful.❤❤ ❤ ❤
This is a very fun and great story. If I had the book I would read it every night. ☺
She didn't write The Secret Garden.
I love this book. I wish there was a way to save what you have read.
Charming book, excellent reader!
this ebook is so amazing but to much info at the start had to skip.
wow this book is amazing! Oops, have to read again! Thank you
Beautifully read! E Nesbit did not write The Secret Garden, F Hodgson Burnett did.
A sweet story beautifully narrated by Karen Savage.
Charming book, beautifully read!
i love it
Delightful book brought alive by such wonderful reading. I so enjoyed it! Thank you!
Karen Savage is an excellent reader and this is a very engaging book. Great for a car trip.
Awesome English voice! Thank you, Alexandra Perkins! Wonderful reading!
Thoroughly enjoyable classic read by Karen Savage. Great way to spend a rainy afternoon with the children!
Great read. Thank you.
Beautifully read.
interasting
Well read!
Alexandra perkins is the best.
Good Reader of a Good Book!