
In the fading light a small circle of children gathers around a weary aunt, their eyes bright with the simple demand, “Tell us a story.” At first she jokes about the loss of classic fairy tales and the modern flood of books, only to see the earnest disappointment in their faces. Their pleading turns the evening into a promise: she will conjure a tale, however old or imagined, if only they’ll listen.
Embracing the challenge, she invites the older girls to share fragments of their own childhoods, turning the storytelling into a collaborative game. The mix of personal recollections, whispered memories, and newly spun adventures creates a lively tapestry that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Each session becomes a “blind man’s holiday,” a chance for the aunt and her eager audience to weave together the familiar and the fantastical, reminding listeners that every generation holds its own magic waiting to be told.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (179K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England
Release date
2013-07-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1839–1921
A beloved Victorian writer for children, she filled her stories with everyday magic, family feeling, and the quiet adventures of nursery life. Her books helped shape generations of young readers, especially through classics like The Cuckoo Clock and The Tapestry Room.
View all books