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Description

A witty, episodic tale opens with a long‑time resident of Tunbridge Wells whose doctor suggests a change of scenery. When her faithful servant Trottle returns with news of a perfectly comfortable London lodging—only to point out an unsightly “House to Let” opposite it—she finds herself drawn into a peculiar mystery of a property that stubbornly refuses to be occupied. The narrator’s sharp humor and whimsical dialogue set a lively tone as she decides to lease the pleasant rooms despite the baffling house next door.

Through playful banter and a cast of amusing characters—a boisterous doctor, a dignified solicitor, and the ever‑opinionated Trottle—the story explores the quirks of Victorian society, the anxieties of moving later in life, and the oddities that can accompany a seemingly simple relocation. Listeners will enjoy the gentle satire and the curiosity sparked by a house that “won’t let,” all while the protagonist prepares for her new London adventure.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~3 hours (183K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2000-09-01

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens

1812–1870

A master of unforgettable characters and sharp social observation, this Victorian storyteller turned childhood hardship and bustling city life into some of the most beloved novels in English. His books mix humor, suspense, and compassion in a way that still feels vivid today.

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Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins

1824–1889

Best known for The Woman in White and The Moonstone, this Victorian storyteller helped shape the mystery novel and kept readers hooked with suspense, secrets, and sharp social observation.

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Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

1810–1865

A keen observer of Victorian life, this English novelist brought factory towns, family tensions, and moral dilemmas vividly onto the page. She is also remembered for writing the first full biography of Charlotte Brontë.

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Adelaide Anne Procter

Adelaide Anne Procter

1825–1864

A beloved Victorian poet and hymn writer, she paired musical, memorable verse with a deep concern for women’s work, poverty, and faith. Her poems reached a huge readership in her lifetime and stayed popular long after her early death.

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