The Man Who Loved Islands by D H Lawrence

Here we narrate D.H. Lawrence's "The Man Who Loved Islands," where isolation becomes both a refuge and a prison. This gripping audiobook tells the story of Mr. Carthcart, a man who seeks solitude by purchasing a series of increasingly remote islands, each retreat further distancing him from the human connections he undervalues. But as he delves deeper into his self-imposed exile, Carthcart finds that nature's overpowering presence grows ever more formidable, threatening to erase any trace of his existence.
Well-known literary critic Margaret Drabble hails this narrative as one of the finest examples of English short stories, masterfully weaving allegory and literal narrative into a profound exploration of human isolation. This story delves deeply into the psyche of a man who is fundamentally incapable of forming real human connections or adapting to a shared existence.
With each island retreat, Carthcart's disconnect grows, turning each new haven into a more desolate and isolating place than the last. Perfect for those who are captivated by the complexities of solitude and the human condition, this audiobook offers a compelling narrative that captures the tragic consequences of a life lived at the margins of society. Listen and uncover the depth of Lawrence’s insight into the inevitable downfall that comes from fleeing the very essence of humanity: our need for each other.

[@DarleneMckie]

Darling I found some more of your Wonderful voice and cadence we in the south u.s. value your talent night night thank you

[@willieluncheonette5843]

"I am reminded of D.H. Lawrence, a man of the last century whom I have loved much. He was condemned from all corners - not as much as I am condemned, but he prepared the way. He was walking in a garden early in the morning with a small child, and the small child asked, “Uncle, why are the trees green?” As far as language is concerned, the question is absolutely correct, but you know that it is stupid and you cannot say that it is stupid. If it had been somebody other than D.H. Lawrence, who was a man of great sincerity and authenticity… Any other knowledgeable person would have told the child that trees are green because of a certain chemical, chlorophyll. Perhaps for the moment the child would have been silent: chlorophyll…. But sooner or later the questions were bound to arise, “Why do all the trees have chlorophyll? Who goes on giving them chlorophyll? What is the purpose of making all the trees full of chlorophyll? What is chlorophyll…?” But D.H. Lawrence looked at the innocent eyes of the child and said, “My boy, trees are just green,” and the boy was immensely happy. The trees are green because they are green - it is not a problem, and the small boy understood it. What can you do? If the trees are green, they are green. It is their problem, it is not our problem - why should we be bothered? But as man grows and is filled and fed by all kinds of knowledge and information in the name of educating him, in the name of making him civilized and cultured, we spoil a tremendously beautiful innocence. And there is no need to know why the trees are green…. It is perfectly good that they are green. If they decide to change, that is their problem, they can change."

[@ClassicGhost]

I love that quote. It is the truest statement there is.

[@Story-Voracious66]

I also must say Tony, how much I loved your reading of this story. Such a bleak tale. Your production is faultless. A perfect story for a melancholy mood. Thank you again. Much appreciated.

[@martiwilliams4592]

Gripping, disturbing, also this time around. Vivid, painful word-images, thought-provoking, narration. Masterful, as always, Tony. Thank you.

[@maryeckel9682]

So happy to find a lovely Lawrence story in the musical lilting tones of Tony! Some people might need their hearing checked...I will say no more.

[@classic-literaturesstories]

Thanks, my friend

[@johnvarricchio6856]

Brilliant Keep up the good work Thank you 🙏🏻

[@classic-literaturesstories]

Thank you! Will do!

[@donaldkelly3983]

Thanks for the Lawrence story! I have been meaning to read more his short fiction and this may be the inspiration I need.

[@ryanjohnson3615]

Cool! New channel from Tony! I saw the thumbnail and thought maybe someone nicked his style.

[@classic-literaturesstories]

Glad you popped over

[@MaggieatPlay]

Excellent, Tony. Thank you.

[@Story-Voracious66]

Thanks Tony, from an island girl. 💙

[@classic-literaturesstories]

don’t keep going on smaller ones

[@Story-Voracious66]

I always thought about a life on Flinders or King, or Mariah or even Bruny but the grocery bill would kill me! 💀

[@victorireland8913]

The readers vibrating regional accent monotone bass voice rendered Lawrence’s tale not only unintelligible but uninteresting. Much preferable to read the book.

[@classic-literaturesstories]

I was wondering whether you were Victor Meldrew or Jacob Rees Mogg. My ‘regional’ accent! Lawrence was famously working class.