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

"Father would never forgive them. That was what they felt more than ever when, two mornings later, they went into his room to go through his things..." This classic of modernist literature, dating from 1921, is a poignant and witty exploration of family, grief, and lives lived in the shadow of others. Story begins at 00:01:20
Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
* Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesize...
* Monthly support on Patreon: / bitesizedaudio
* Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
* Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on KZbin, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
/ bitesizedaudioclassics
Timestamps:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:20 I
00:07:27 II
00:12:13 III
00:13:37 IV
00:17:23 V
00:20:00 VI
00:27:12 VII
00:31:07 VIII
00:36:33 IX
00:40:21 X
00:44:58 XI
00:46:48 XII
00:56:03 Credits, thanks and further listening
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.
About the author:
Katherine Mansfield was the pen name of Kathleen Mansfield Murry (née Beauchamp). She was born in 1888 in Wellington, New Zealand, to Harold Beauchamp (who later became Chairman of the Bank of New Zealand) and his wife Annie Dyer. Mansfield was Annie Dyer's mother's maiden surname. Young Kathleen spent much of her childhood in Karori, and her memories of that time served as inspiration for a later short story, 'Prelude'. She was educated at Wellington Girls' High School (now Wellington Girls' College). In 1903 she moved to London to attend Queen's College with her two older sisters. Kathleen was an accomplished cellist, and at one stage considered playing professionally, but her interest and focus turned to writing during this period.
After some time travelling in Europe, she returned to her native New Zealand in 1906 and began producing short stories on a regular basis, taking up the pseudonym Katherine Mansfield. Her early works were published in magazines in New Zealand and Australia. In 1908 she made the decision to relocate back to London, where she contributed poetry and short stories to periodicals such as Pall Mall Magazine, The New Age and The Idler. Her first book of short stories, 'In a German Pension', was published in 1911.
Mansfield's private life was tempestuous and rather scandalous for the era: after several affairs, including pregnancy and miscarriage, in 1909 she married George Bowden, a singing teacher who was more than a decade older than her, but left him on their wedding night. In 1910 she met John Middleton Murry, founder and editor of the literary review magazine 'Rhythm', when he commissioned a story from her entitled 'The Woman at the Store'. They began an on-off relationship which continued for several years until they married in 1918. Their circle of friends included several members of the Bloomsbury Group, including Virginia Woolf, Lady Ottoline Morrell and D. H. Lawrence. Murry and Mansfield were apparently the inspiration for Gerald and Gudrun in Lawrence's 1920 novel 'Women in Love'.
The death of Mansfield's younger brother, Leslie Beauchamp, who was killed in action in 1915 while serving in World War I, had a noticeable impact on her writing, which began to include more retrospective reminiscences inspired by her childhood in New Zealand; 'Prelude' was written at about this time. Her most prolific period began in 1917, in which year she was first diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. Her remaining years saw her travelling in Europe, notably France, Switzerland and Italy, both in an ongoing search for treatment and also to avoid the cold British winters. So prolific was she in her last five years that she left many stories unpublished at the time of her death, aged 34, in Fontainebleau, France. Her husband John Murry subsequently edited and published two further volumes of short stories posthumously, as well as poetry and collections of her letters and diaries.
Altogether Katherine Mansfield wrote almost 100 stories, the best of which are regarded as amongst the greatest short stories in English literature, and she made an enduring contribution towards the development of the form. Among her best known works are 'The Garden Party', 'Miss Brill' and 'The Doll's House'. 'The Daughters of the Late Colonel' is one of her finest. It was first published in the London Mercury in May 1921, and later reprinted in Mansfield's 1922 short story collection 'The Garden Party and Other Stories'.
Recording © Bitesized Audio 2024

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@theresarowan3622]

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

[@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...

[@Peachfuzz-xi9dx]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Appreciated, thank you

[@kathyhorstman7909]

A haunting of a different kind.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Yes, an interesting way to think of it

[@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.

[@susanotway7875]

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

[@amgroves76]

What a delightfully batty story! Thank you

[@williamgorden6390]

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.❤😂

[@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.

[@lauraJP76]

Wonderful. Thank you Mr. Stanhope 😊

[@maxgc6413]

Love a good cozy tale for the evening

[@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.

[@ArchibaldBagge]

Such beautiful writing. Expertly read by Simon.

[@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

[@januzzell8631]

Oh Joy - another story - thank you Simon

[@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

[@veramentegina]

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

[@mjrchapin]

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

[@djkelleher3557]

That's my evening sorted 👌 Thank you Simon 😊

[@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

[@tammyhanlon3057]

Thank you, Simon.

[@kathleenellenford4816]

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

[@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.

[@sonsoffalstaff2600]

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

[@simoneclift3155]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to help!

[@gerrykeane7331]

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

[@boosqueezy2418]

something to sleep to :) yay!

[@shadownet3d]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Many thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@deirdredowling2251]

Thank you so much.

[@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.

[@shanonquinn5681]

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

[@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

[@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

[@stephanieadams2289]

Well read. Thank you

[@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.

[@nickybaker1338]

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

[@cruisepaige]

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

[@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

[@violetfemme411]

Brilliantly performed and terribly sad 😢 💜

[@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.

[@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

[@mngirl5437]

Ty Simon ❤

[@lissa34able]

Thank you

[@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

[@jackyhawkins1895]

Thank you very much 😊

[@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

[@mijiyoon5575]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You *Simon*

[@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

[@margaretwood7135]

Delightful.

[@tilhi5111]

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

[@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!

[@eleshasmith6064]

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

[@MckIdyl]

I love your reading style, especially your pacing. Even other "actor" narrators can get that wrong. Wish you'd do more of the 'caper' stories -- bank robberies, action mysteries, police procedurals, railway thrillers. For that matter, I wish more of those had been written!

[@bobnewmanknott3433]

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

[@BitesizedAudio]

Much appreciated, thank you

[@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.

[@Lynda-oo7ey]

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

[@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.

[@jeffhaley2706]

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

[@vickirempel5529]

What a beautiful couple.

[@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

[@minvalara2765]

❤

[@livinglife4835]

Just found you, love it.

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you and welcome!

[@traceyearl9468]

Just a ❤ Australia l do enjoy your readings

[@BitesizedAudio]

Thank you Tracey

[@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...

[@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.

[@Jan-vw6tu]

Well I like it I like this kind of story

[@BitesizedAudio]

Glad to know that, thank you

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@greglinski2208]

😎

[@cellopam9014]

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 ❤️‍🩹

[@bedewedwithpleasure]

❤❤👏👏

[@jacquelinerwin6650]

Thank you