The Daughters of the Late Colonel | Katherine Mansfield | A Bitesized Audiobook

[@BitesizedAudio]

A true classic of modernist literature, dating from 1921, The Daughters of the Late Colonel is a poignant and witty exploration of family, grief, and lives lived in the shadow of others. The story begins at 00:01:20. A couple of textual notes: * Ceylon was the British colonial name of present-day Sri Lanka between 1796 and 1948. * "Evening Bertha" refers to a bertha collar, typically made of lace or other thin fabric. Biographical notes on the author, Katherine Mansfield, can be found in the video description. Thanks for listening.

[@Peachfuzz-xi9dx]

Simon is The Best at voicing female characters. They are always so believable, never reduced to warbling caricatures.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you

[@GradKat]

I love Katherine Mansfield’s stories! This one resonates as I had some great aunts like these ladies. Sisters, they had been forbidden to marry by their Victorian widowed mother, who wanted them to care for her in old age. When I knew them, their mother had been dead many years, but they still ran the house the way she had liked it. They seemed impossibly old to me as a child, but I believe they were only in their sixties. Anyway, excellent choice, Simon, and read beautifully as always!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks @GradKat. Yes, that part of the story resonates with me too, I knew elderly ladies growing up who had faced similar situations, and of course those who lost their intended in World War I. Regarding the sisters in this story, I did wonder how old they are... from the fact that it's mentioned that their mother died during their childhood and that the photograph of her is 35 years old, I took it they are early 40s at most. Of course expectations and attitudes towards age were very different then...

[@availanila]

Aaww, that's so sad. I can't believe parents would neuter their children like this. 😢😢 I hope your great aunts had a happy life.

[@vickyaldridge6778]

As a Kiwi who knew people who had known KM, who lived for a while in the house that The Garden Party was based, who attended the same two schools in Karori, Wellington... I really appreciate the gentle, lively narration of this story. Perfect evening listening. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What wonderful connections, thanks for sharing. So glad to know you enjoyed it

[@barrycrump6189]

Probably the best narrator on KZbin. It's a joy to listen to a trained English voice. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you Barry

[@leimaniax]

Absolutely wonderful narration. And; Thank you, Simon.

[@RosesAreForever1871]

Thank you very much for this lovely story! In some ways the two woman reminded me of Venetia in Georgette Heyer's book of the same title who couldn't marry because her selfish relatives and never taken her out of their tiny village. I'm going to have to reread it again now. Thanks very much again for a marvelously read short story!

[@kevinneighbors1797]

This is a sad tale well told of lives spent in sorrow and servitude, repression and fear. Imagination, thought and human desire constricted into a “tunnel “ of self doubt.

[@patriciajrs46]

It sounds like you write. I'd like read some of it someday.

[@caroleminke6116]

Probably a narcissistic father who constricted their lives purposely & selfishly for his own sake like mine, who used coercive control to get his own needs met

[@BenjaminHall-yt6kk]

Thank you, Mr Stanhope, for downloading these stories. When sick, or trying to sleep, they are wonderful, comforting companions.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@lindalarson5468]

This story is so understated, so beautiful. It unfolds slowly to reveal such longing for another life, and leaves one with the pain of knowing that the longing will never be realized. Thank you, Simon.

[@peterchaloner2877]

Perfect, thank you. A take on the 'Dotty maiden Aunt' trope that brings the hearer to the numinous on the one hand, and to belly-laughs on the other.

[@Lemon_N555]

Your reading was so evocative & transported me! It's a very bitter-sweet & poignant story. In my mind I have added an epilogue where they discharge that passive aggressive bully housekeeper Kate & they find the courage to 'remember' to listen to & indulge their inner desires & needs... Right now they're not grieving the loss of their father, but the cruel loss of their dreams & future as brides/wives/mothers - which their father unjustly 'stole' from them keeping them as 'indentured' spinster daughters at his beck & call. I do so hope they overcome their fear of the unknown & create for themselves a new future of independence in spirit & action. Starting with eating the food they want, mingling with genteel society & taking annual excursions ...

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a lovely comment, thank you

[@unclevlad3357]

or maybe even not-quite-genteel society 😉

[@jeffjones6951]

Lovely comment indeed, Lemon. But you know deep down that Kate will never be discharged. Just the taboo thought of such a bold move was enough of a breadcrumb to satisfy the Daughters

[@aprilblossom9268]

Yes... Now Voyager comes to mind.

[@macummings7818]

This listener believes they certainly will. But it will take some time…

[@smythharris2635]

I first read this story in October 1968. It's fine, I can take it.😅 I look forward to listening to it later. It's Semana Santa here in Spain so I'm off to watch a procession. Thank you, Mr. Stanhope.

[@marciedewolff9357]

Yeah! A new story. You just made my night. Many thanks.

[@BitesizedAudio]

What a wonderfully precise memory, October 1968! I remember certain dates with books too... When I was younger I used to write the date I first read a book inside the front cover, although I've fallen out of the habit of that in the last 25 years or so

[@smythharris2635]

​​@@BitesizedAudioWe had a book of short stories and a good friend of mine adored "The Machine Stops" by E.M Forster. His daughter, a fan of music downloads and streaming was teasng him about all his vinyl and cd collections to which he replied, "Yes, but what will YOU do when the machine stops?"

[@patriciajrs46]

@@BitesizedAudioI often write my name in the front cover, too. I date them sometimes to see how long ago I had read it. I have had books that I often read more than once.

[@klausehrhardt4481]

The ever worst fanthom anyone meets is oneself's. What a failure of a father. My simpathy to Kate, she is the Snoopy character. Never felt or lived something the like, but gosh, that's really a prison of a life if it happens for someone to be in...

[@kathyhorstman7909]

A haunting of a different kind.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, an interesting way to think of it

[@susanotway7875]

Enjoyed this sad stotry so much from a master story teller. Wonderful narration Simon, as usual! Many thanks. Don't miss.

[@elainemagson213]

Simon brings out every nuance. Parts of it, because of his narration, make one smile with gentle amusement in spite of the sad waste. Katherine Mansfield gets right to the heart doesn't she. Thank you, Simon.

[@mjrchapin]

I loved how this started with very polite if not restrained interactions to charming chaos! Excellent!

[@waltercook4868]

For me, I regarded this story as humorous with a tenge of sadness. I kept half expecting it to end in disaster, but it didn't. The two sisters were learning to flex their muscles, so to speak, and they were taking steps to survive. One way or the other, I expect they will learn to thrive in a fashion that is meaningful for them. Thank you for sharing.

[@ArchibaldBagge]

Such beautiful writing. Expertly read by Simon.

[@lauraJP76]

Wonderful. Thank you Mr. Stanhope 😊

[@heidimartin5070]

Dear Simon! Thank you! I’m struggling on how to deal with the melancholy this story evoked in me. This was so well read with the exact emotion the writer wanted to convey. I follow all your readings on KZbin, don’t comment often. I’ve just finished washing up the breakfast dishes here on a cool, windy morning in Kentucky. You share your gift so generously with us and I appreciate it. I hope you realize what an impact you have. Blessings and thank you again.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you so much for your very kind comments

[@januzzell8631]

Oh Joy - another story - thank you Simon

[@tanyiapelham9050]

This is a story that emphasizes how important our role as parents truly is. Children look to their parents for guidance and encouragement. These young ladies are the unfortunate product of their self-centred, eccentric father. Did they have a chance for a normal life? I hope their introspection after his death will lead to some semblance of happiness and independence. Although this is fiction, one can’t help but think there are many adults who struggle with the memories of being raised by controlling parents. Let’s hope they raised their own children very differently. Thanks Simon. Very thought provoking.

[@theresarowan3622]

Thank you for this thought-provoking story. Poor little caged birds. 😢

[@JayGideon-7]

Just a terrific story! The characters of these sisters are presented in a compassionate, yet hilarious, tight focus. I listened twice in a row -- it was even better the second time. A wonderful case-study of arrested development in sisters who never before had to make decisions.❤😂

[@nickybaker1338]

Gosh....such a bittersweet story. As always, you've balanced perfectly the humour & wit, alongside the tragic & poignant. Thank you so much 💖

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Nicky. Yes, it's a beautifully balanced piece of writing I think

[@1234cheerful]

Excellent performance in every way, though now I'm a bit depressed. But you did justice to the story and made the characters as vivid as they could be.

[@TheSonsofFalstaff]

Excellent. Another one. It's always nice to have something to look forward to.

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon.

[@snowyowl6892]

Simon .. i am so very grateful that your kindness is lifting the spirits of so many. It is said that the only acceptable, worthy attribute at the Pearly Gates … is the degree to which you have been of “service to others”. You will pass that test with flying colours. Thank you .. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@veramentegina]

I just love how you narrate. Thank you for this wonderful story and read!

[@kathleenellenford4816]

Thank you! read long long long ago.. thanks you Simon, for your narrations and epilogues!

[@djkelleher3557]

That's my evening sorted 👌 Thank you Simon 😊

[@gerrykeane7331]

What a great story and very well read! Thank you.

[@simoneclift3155]

Fabulous to hear your voice as I relax after a day of much malarkey. Thank you.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@john-r-edge]

When I lived in New Zealand I recall that Katharine Mansfield treated as national treasure. I saw a rather good one woman show presenting her short but full and eventful life.

[@BitesizedAudio]

A remarkable woman indeed

[@janetgracyk2699]

Thanks!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for the super thanks

[@boosqueezy2418]

something to sleep to :) yay!

[@stephaniealeman8522]

When you told us this was coming, I thought how well you create female voices and that hearing you do several in ensemble would be wonderful. Listening, I think I was right! Then some lovely writing as well “except the earrings shaped like tiny pagodas” and your little sparrows 💚🙏🏽

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Stephanie, that's very kind of you to say

[@deirdredowling2251]

Thank you so much.

[@jeffjones6951]

Thanks, Simon, for this perfectly narrated dark psychological dissection! Also a poignant social satire. This is one of my FAVORITE Bitesized offerings to date. The daughters share a paralytic dread of change. They're stuck in their dutiful automatonic roles for the Colonel and will never achieve transcendence. The closest they ever come to Freedom is when they discuss the possibility of discharging their abusive housekeeper Kate. But we voyeuristically know that Kate has job security. So painful. My favorite moment occurs when the daughters finally communicate to their deaf Grandfather (Chapter IX) and he upbraids their all-important news as drivel. This understated yet scathing social satire by Mansfield (1921) is mirrored by Fitzgerald in Gatsby (1925). Thank you Simon! This is exactly the type of work I was requesting in your survey last month.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for your thoughtful comments and feedback, Jeff, much appreciated

[@patriciajrs46]

The sun's out. As though it really mattered. Ha. Truth is, it does matter. For several years after a divorce, I felt at a loss as to what to do with me. One answer I got was, anything you want to. That didn't help. I hadn't been a person who could have permission to do what I thought mattered. I find myself in that situation more than I care to admit. Perhaps these ladies felt the same. It's difficult to say what one will do in a situation such as new-found freedom.

[@shadownet3d]

A bitter-sweet tale so very well written. Your reading as always was excellent. Thank you Simon.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Many thanks

[@stephanieadams2289]

Well read. Thank you

[@unclevlad3357]

As a middle aged single woman whose father died recently, some bits of this story struck quite close to the bone. I want to imagine Josephine and Connie remembering what they were going to say and breaking out and going absolutely wild, and having the time of their lives.

[@cruisepaige]

Went through my father’s things with my sister a couple of years ago. We actually had some hilarious laughs!

[@adriennedunne1748]

What a sad story. When domineering personages take over people's lives until they have no sense of themselves as independent units at all. I wish they could take charge, but they're slaves to fear and take refuge in the same old thing. Wasted lives. I'd love to see others coming into their lives and making them take risks that would cause them to use hidden talents and blossom. I've been there but I have a measure of a better life now. Thank you Simon.

[@Peachfuzz-xi9dx]

Cyril and the meringues scene is hysterical and agonising. Simon you are a genius at all the voices especially the outraged colonel!

[@thurayya8905]

Interesting tale of two sisters who are on the cusp of realizing their freedom. He must have held them captive. Wish she had written about them a year later so we could see if they made it out.

[@crystalclear6864]

They couldnt move on, so nothing would have changed.

[@sandyno1089]

I like to think they'd have traveled to Italy for a life changing holiday. @@crystalclear6864

[@eveny119]

I agree. I doubt they could even fire the cook, they were afraid of her, and I doubt they could cook. There was no place to go, no one to visit. But the worst thing was their indecisiveness. @@crystalclear6864

[@eshanroveran7850]

Absolutely obsessed with this channel. There is something so cozy about the voice of the narrator coupled with the time period this tales take place in. The level of effort put into these is crazy, I’m very surprised this channel does not have a larger following! Absolutely perfect videos to relax and listen to while enjoying a nice cigar or some brandy

[@shanonquinn5681]

My excitement over this reading was certainly not misplaced. This is such a beautiful rendition of a wonderful story. A thousand thanks!

[@nickybaker1338]

Only just seen this newbie! What delights are in store? can't wait to find out!

[@gladysochoa4415]

Beautiful narration, I am listening from Guatemala, Central America. Thank you very much!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks for listening and taking the time to leave a comment, much appreciated

[@GrandOldMovies]

Thanks SO much for this beautiful reading of this great story. You made it and the characters come so poignant and alive. I hope you will consider reading more Mansfield in the future; you have such a sensitivity for her style. Have you ever considered reading the stories of Elizabeth Bowen, or would there be copyright issues involved?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you. Yes, I'd certainly like to revisit Mansfield in the future, I really enjoyed recording this story. As regards Elizabeth Bowen, a couple of people have requested her, but sadly, as you say, she's very much under copyright... until the 2040s in the UK. I think some of her very early work may be public domain in the USA, but as I'm UK-based I can't legitimately post them onto KZbin for a while yet!

[@dianeschmidt661]

Started out by writing the date ii had read it on the inside cover. Went on to note anything notable that happened when i was reading it.

[@josemarques6971]

Thank you, excellent reading, as always.

[@mngirl5437]

Ty Simon ❤

[@elleeo1495]

Excellent narration, Simon, of this snippet into the lives of these women in the story. Thank you for bringing them to life.

[@nickjames205]

You are so good at bringing out the great humor in these stories.

[@lissa34able]

Thank you

[@deniswilliams2212]

What a brilliant woman! I had never heard of her before this but she is going on my list as of right now the epitome of droll humour intermixed with pathos the ending took me by surprise you can see this as a classic b&w movie from the 50’ with Glynis Johns as the lead

[@mariameere5807]

Can’t wait till tonight to enjoy this! I re-listened to one of your stories yesterday actually…. Have a great day! ❤❤❤ I listened to it and I really enjoyed it! Thank you so much Simon!🌺

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Maria, I hope you enjoy it - I'll be interested to know your thoughts, it's something quite different from my usual content. I enjoyed the change of pace and style anyway

[@amgroves76]

What a delightfully batty story! Thank you

[@nesapanjalingam704]

Thank you for this story

[@spews1973]

As I said I would, I gave this story the attention it deserves by reading along as I listened. And it was well worth it.

[@violetfemme411]

Brilliantly performed and terribly sad 😢 💜

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you very much 😊

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You *Simon*

[@Stormlucy111]

Beautiful diction. Majestic tones.❤

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you kindly!

[@Lynda-oo7ey]

I love Katherine Mansfield.I am delighted that I found this channel😉😀

[@jeffhaley2706]

I didn't realize Mr. Peabody had a channel reading stories

[@tilhi5111]

The poor creatures. My own breathing seems to be constricted while listening to their restricted lives!

[@aranyakbanerjee2712]

Really enjoyed this!!!! Please do one on The Visitor by Roald Dahl...

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know you enjoyed it, thank you! Unfortunately Roald Dahl's work remains under copyright for many years yet, so I'm not able to do it for this channel, but thank you for the suggestion. (Works enter the public domain in the UK 70 years after the death of the author)

[@sonjawells4265]

You have made me so happy😊❤

[@SueCooke]

A new story I've never heard of. Joy, oh joy! (I'm easily pleased😂) Only half way through, listening whilst at work. Thank you soooo much Simon. Happy Easter To You And Your Family 🐇🐤🐥🐰xx

[@margaretwood7135]

Delightful.

[@smoothsailor5101]

Excellent reader. You seem to hear several different voices according to who is speaking in the story.🎉🎉

[@jackalina91]

I’ve been moving house which has taken all my time & energy & consequently have many stories to catch up on!😎 I don’t mind a bit especially when they are as much fun as this 1 was😂😂 🤷‍♀️♥️♥️♥️✌️

[@BitesizedAudio]

I hope the move went well, happy listening!

[@jackalina91]

@@BitesizedAudio thank you Simon. Actually it didn’t because all the stuff that was supposed to go to storage went to the house (& the wrong house at that!) which is why it has/is taken so long! But now I have found my earbuds & I can listen to some great old stories I’m sure it’ll get better! 🤷‍♀️😎😂✌️

[@sheenaghmcmahon9665]

My great aunt, though she was engaged at 20, didn't marry until she was 40 and her parents had died. Her fiancé stood by her and waited. In Acadian culture the youngest daughter was expected to look after her parents. Isn't this an appalling tradition. Read the fantastic Mexican book, or watch the movie, Like Water for Chocolate, about this exact practice.

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

I am always so impressed with your renderings Thanks as alway for your extra efforts and explanations RNK

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you

[@wyominghome4857]

I don't think this was an uncommon situation unfortunately. In my husband's family, two generations before his grandmother, a cousin and her husband had a daughter late in life specifically to care for them in their old age. She was never permitted to marry and was essentially an unpaid servant until they died. I cannot imagine such incredible selfishness, such narcissism. More typically aged parents unable to live alone moved in with their adult children and helped out with cooking, chores, and childcare. In such families everybody worked together, although in that situation miserable old folks could be a burden too. My husband and I, with 6 grown children, are aiming for cheerful independence for as long as we possibly can.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you for your thoughtful comment

[@MrsEclecticTex]

Too much independence has a price as well. My parents did not want to “burden” their 3 daughters with caregiver responsibilities and the insult of child:parent role reversal. Now my mother is 90, widowed, physically debilitated and living a lonely and isolated existence in a Continuing Care Community with nearest daughter 2 hours away, envious of those who have family to depend on for practical help and normal interaction. These sisters may have been in a repressive and suppressive situation, but they had each other and enough respect and feeling for their father that they felt honor bound to dispose of his remains and property as though he were still alive, and not exclusively out of fear. Yes, Victorian upbringing was key, but they never spoke of him disparagingly to each other in private or in front of others when communication was difficult- no rolling of eyes, etc.

[@PippaAT]

Something about this story reminds me a little of Barbara Pym's writing. Now there's an idea, Simon, EXCELLENT WOMEN!!!!

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thanks Pippa. Indeed so, although unfortunately she's a little too recent for this channel (not public domain, as she only died in 1980)

[@PippaAT]

Oh, I understand. Creator of one of the most amusing names in fiction; Everard Bone...

[@suzannebell51]

I enjoyed this story but at the same time found it unbearably sad, of lives restricted, trained into servitude and frightened to have opinions and independent thought, by a selfish bully

[@BitesizedAudio]

Indeed so, it's very poignant

[@rachael7060]

😂😂 BURIED??? You two girls had me BURIED???😂😂

[@nonosays]

At first they seem such timid and almost ridiculous spinsters. Eventually it emerges how each is suffering the effects of a lifetime under the thumb of an ill-tempered tyrant. Unforgettable!

[@eleshasmith6064]

Wonderful! And beautifully read as always. Thank you! ❤

[@livinglife4835]

Just found you, love it.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you and welcome!

[@vickirempel5529]

What a beautiful couple.

[@snippycutwell9878]

Meringue...🙂

[@BitesizedAudio]

I've always been rather fond of them... haven't had one for a while though

[@dlw415]

The crux of the entire story.

[@judikingsman6132]

Nice ❤

[@leslieortenzi8875]

EDIT! I shouldn't have been so impatient and simply listened to the whole thing! I'm only halfway through, so I'm sorry if this is answered later, but what is the issue with burial? Or is it more of an absurd delusion of the daughters that their father would be against being *disposed of* in a grave, despite being deceased? Kinda like the old, dead guy version of no-one-puts-baby-in-the-corner? Sorry, I guess the absurdism is catching!

[@traceyearl9468]

Just a ❤ Australia l do enjoy your readings

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Tracey

[@stevetunstall8236]

You are a master story teller. Your donation page does not appear to accept PayPal donations?

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Steve, much appreciated. I do have a PayPal donation page, it should show under "Links" on the main channel page, but I think exactly where/how to find it may differ across different devices... It's here anyway: www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HMMUWZ7URN26A Thanks so much for your support

[@deloreslowndes762]

Too late....all too late.

[@crystalclear6864]

Co dependancy😞

[@ropeburnsrussell]

I was prepared for melancholy but not for tragedy. A beautiful ly written but awful story. Thankyou Simon.

[@Lemon_N555]

it's never too late; if their late father left them a legacy they can live in dignity & have each other for support & comfort & encouragement to try "little adventures"

[@ropeburnsrussell]

@@Lemon_N555 he lived in a flat, not an estate, my guess is that semi poverty is in their future.

[@minvalara2765]

❤

[@Jan-vw6tu]

Well I like it I like this kind of story

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you

[@JimMcHugsU]

All Simon needs is a pencil thin mustache.

[@Cello-Pam]

Spoilers: So incredibly sad. Cruel people destroy so many lives. The only hope given was the organ grinder situation and that the story ended after only a week. - written almost stream-of-consciousness. Not my favorite

[@waynebrookes3154]

That was a waste of an hour.

[@caroleminke6116]

People who make comments like it’s too bad that they didn’t marry & have children miss the whole point! They never even got to imagine lives of their own… like an Amelia Earhart or a Georgia O’Keefe ❤️‍🩹 both my grandmothers had to marry in order to get away from home & to achieve status but they didn’t want children! Neither got pregnant until each one had a mistake on their 30’s & these two married each other! What a nasty bit of karma came from this intergenerational trauma! At least in this story no one else had to suffer for their mean father’s selfishness ❤️‍🩹

[@jacquelinerwin6650]

Thank you