
Harry Richmond stands on the brink of adulthood, his twenty‑first birthday marking the moment his restless imagination finally collides with the wider world. A thoughtful, book‑loving youth, he is urged by his guardian to leave the comforts of Riversley for a year‑long Grand Tour across the continent, a rite of passage meant to temper his lofty dreams with real experience. As he prepares to set out, he wrestles with expectations—both his own yearning for adventure and the squire’s hope that he might settle down with the sensible Janet Ilchester.
Yet the promise of distant lands brings more than scenery; whispers of royalty and romance already stir his thoughts. A chance encounter with a captivating princess hints at a world of intrigue and emotional awakening that will test Harry’s quiet demeanor. Listeners will be drawn into his inner conflict between duty and desire, setting the stage for a journey where youthful idealism meets the unpredictable currents of love and destiny.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (144K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1828–1909
A major Victorian novelist and poet, he is best remembered for sharp, psychologically rich fiction and for turning comedy into a serious way of looking at human behavior. His work rewards listeners who enjoy wit, moral complexity, and characters who rarely fit simple categories.
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