Someone at a Distance

By: Dorothy Whipple

Narrated by: Susan Wooldridge

Someone at a Distance was Dorothy Whipple’s last book, hailed by many as her best. The story charts the gradual breakdown of a marriage through the eyes of those involved. Whipple deftly and persuasively explores the minds of her characters, particularly the two women. This audio edition is read by Susan Wooldridge.

Ellen and Avery North share a stable and secure life. Everything is well looked after: their teenage children, their garden, and Avery’s elderly mother who lives nearby. In time, old Mrs North decides she is in need of a live-in companion, and Louise Lanier arrives after responding to a newspaper advert. When Louise sets out to seduce Avery for the fun of it, her behaviour threatens to destroy Ellen and Avery’s peaceful life together.

Someone at a Distance is part of the Persephone Audiobook Collection, a series of forgotten classics including neglected fiction and non-fiction by women writers. First published in 1953, this edition includes a preface by author Nina Bawden.

Critic reviews

A very good novel indeed about the fragility and also the tenacity of love

Great read!

Couldn’t stop listening to this - what a great story. Set in the early 50s English countryside.

Pathetic Trad Wife Excusing Cheater

The author has her protagonist re-imagine her philandering husband as the victim (that young hussey isn't good for him) and find victory in believing that someday he'll come back to her.
Of course that'll be after her daughter leaves home, because that young woman has the sense to be done with her betraying father.
Tiresome longsuffering wife. Not a good "lesson" for anyone.