(1) Vanity Fair By William Makepeace Thackeray. Audiobook - full length, free

Full-length/unabridged audiobook for free, with text. HQ recording. “Vanity Fair“ is a satirical novel written by William Makepeace Thackeray and first published as a serial between 1847 and 1848. The novel is set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England and serves as a biting social commentary on the manners, morals, and social hierarchies of the time. The story primarily revolves around two main female characters: Becky Sharp and Amelia Sedley. Becky Sharp is a resourceful and cunning woman from a lower social class who is determined to rise in society. Amelia Sedley, on the other hand, is a sweet-natured and simple young woman from a wealthy family. The two women meet at Miss Pinkerton’s Academy, a finishing school, and become friends. Becky Sharp, throughout the novel, is depicted as ambitious and manipulative. She marries Rawdon Crawley, a young army officer and the heir to a considerable fortune, in her quest to climb the social ladder. Becky’s journey is marked by her constant scheming, which she uses to gain favor with influential individuals and secure her position in society. She is both admired and reviled for her wit, beauty, and cunning. Amelia Sedley, in contrast, is less worldly and more idealistic. She is deeply in love with George Osborne, her childhood sweetheart, who is also her brother’s best friend. The novel follows their romantic entanglements and how the complexities of society and class affect their relationships. Thackeray employs a sharp wit and irony to satirize the various characters and societal norms. “Vanity Fair“ is known for its extensive cast of characters, each representing a different facet of the society of the time, and the narrative takes readers through various social strata, from the upper class to the lower class. It explores themes of ambition, greed, love, friendship, and the consequences of one’s actions. One of the recurring motifs in the novel is the concept of “vanity fair“ itself, symbolizing the ephemeral and superficial nature of society, where individuals constantly strive for social advancement, power, and wealth, often at the expense of their integrity and moral values. As the story unfolds, readers witness the rise and fall of characters, their moral dilemmas, and the consequences of their choices. Thackeray’s narrative style is that of a social satirist, offering witty commentary and insight into the human condition. “Vanity Fair“ is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century and is a classic of British literature. It is a rich tapestry of characters and situations that provides a comprehensive and often humorous examination of the social and moral complexities of the time. Thackeray’s storytelling is marked by its moral ambiguity, reflecting the often harsh realities of life in early 19th-century England. In summary, “Vanity Fair“ by William Makepeace Thackeray is a satirical novel that offers a scathing and often humorous critique of the society, values, and social aspirations of early 19th-century England. Through its vivid characters and intricate plot, the novel explores themes of ambition, love, friendship, and the transient nature of social status in a society obsessed with “vanity fair.“ Intro 00:00:00 Chapter I 00:03:34 Chapter II 00:19:59 Chapter III 00:42:34 Chapter IV 01:00:25 Chapter V 01:34:16 Chapter VI 02:00:42 Chapter VII 02:32:00 Chapter VIII 02:51:21 Chapter IX 03:14:20 Chapter X 03:31:42 Chapter XI 03:32:34 Chapter XII 04:09:36 Chapter XIII 04:30:33 Chapter XIV 05:00:11 Chapter XV 05:46:54 Chapter XVI 06:08:20 Chapter XVII 06:10:55 Chapter XVIII 06:31:16 Chapter XIX 07:01:52 Chapter XX 07:27:55 Chapter XXI 07:52:41 Chapter XXII 08:15:14 Chapter XXIII 08:37:44 Chapter XXIV 08:53:08 Chapter XXV 09:27:11 Chapter XXVI 10:15:38 Chapter XXVII 10:34:53 Chapter XXVIII 10:51:13 Chapter XXIX 11:14:25 More: Audiobook, Full Length, Free Classic English Literature, Vanity Fair, William Makepeace Thackeray Satire, Social Climbing, Wealth / Money Romance, Drama, Victorian Era Napoleonic Wars