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Bleak House audiobook
by
Charles Dickens 1812-1870
The
Chancery Court had jurisdiction over all matters of equity, including administration of estates, the guardianship of orphans, and disputed property disbursement. In
Dickens' time, some cases could take years to be settled, changing the lives of those involved.
Esther Summerson, a young woman raised in a tough and unloving atmosphere, is unexpectedly requested to be a companion to two teenage orphans,
Richard Carstone and
Ada Clare, for whom the court has appointed as guardian,
John Jarndyce. They take up residence at Mr.
Jarndyce's home, Bleak House. The story of their lives and fortunes is the main thrust of the novel, and is related at times through the eyes of
Esther, whose gentle
point of view gives the reader a different and more intimate perspective.
Richard is sure his fortune is 'just around the corner' when the case of Jarndyce-v-Jarndyce, of which he and Ada will be beneficiaries, is settled. He tries his hand at a career or two, but he becomes obsessed with hastening the probate of the willed fortune he feels must soon be theirs. Further difficulties arise when he and Ada fall in love, while he, penniless, continues the quest to bring his case to justice.
A scriber of legal documents dies, and from his death, questions arise which unearth secrets that the Jarndyce's neighbour,
Lady Dedlock, has kept hidden for years.
Inspector Bucket enters the case, and begins investigating the disappearance of Lady Dedlock
. In the dirt poor part of
London comes a young boy called Joe who claims to 'know noffink' but who has witnessed something very important.
Several other colorful characters are wound into the story.
Nearly insane Miss Flite, who for years has attended court every day, with her little folder of documents, is ever hopeful of a settlement. Mr. Boythorn is a boisterous friend of Jarndyce who has a vendetta with Sir
Leicester Dedlock. The Jellyby
Family, invariably on the verge of a disaster, is neglected by their
Mother who is obsessed with an overseas project. The Smallweed family is mean and avaricious -- squeezing money from poor clients. Mr. Skimpole is the childlike captivating friend of Mr. Jarndyce who sees no harm in living off everybody else. Mr. Guppy fawns after Esther, and plots to steal documents with his friend Weevle. Mr. Woodcourt is a gentle surgeon and family friend, who becomes a hero.
Since the writing of Bleak House, the property laws of
England were changed, and disbursements were thenceforth conducted in court with the object of swiftly coming to a settlement for the benefit of inheritors.
(Summary by Mil
Nicholson)
- published: 11 Apr 2013
- views: 16270