The Home-Maker


Lu par Maria Kasper

(4.5 stars; 60 reviews)

The Knapp family seems as though they ought to be happy, yet hidden frustrations are tearing them apart under the surface. As the family breadwinner, Lester Knapp drags himself reluctantly to his job each day, miserable in the harsh world of commerce and business, longing for a quiet life at home with his books. Meanwhile, Evangeline Knapp is admired as an excellent housewife, yet the limited challenges of that life are driving her to perfectionism and boredom. The Knapp children are affected by their parents' unhappiness, the youngest child acting out in frequent tantrums, and the two older children tense and nervous. When an accident puts Lester in a wheelchair and sends Evangeline out to work, their family and friends see it only as a tragedy. Yet Lester discovers his true calling at home, developing his own relaxed style of housekeeping, while discerning the individual needs and personalities of the children. And Evangeline discovers her true calling in the business world, demonstrating both creativity and organizational skills, thriving on the daily challenge and mental stimulation. Before long, the entire family realizes that they are all blossoming into a new happiness. But will this unconventional arrangement of gender roles be allowed to continue? Or will circumstances force the Knapps to return to the lives that made them miserable? - Summary by Maria Kasper (7 hr 30 min)

Chapitres

Chapter 1 22:54 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 2 39:55 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 3 19:13 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 4 24:22 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 5 10:51 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 6 6:33 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 7 26:57 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 8 27:44 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 9 25:03 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 10 17:49 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 11 22:10 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 12 8:02 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 13 9:46 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 14 18:21 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 15 17:01 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 16 19:03 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 17 33:53 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 18 8:06 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 19 21:20 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 20 24:37 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 21 38:52 Lu par Maria Kasper
Chapter 22 8:13 Lu par Maria Kasper

Critiques

a tour de force


(5 stars)

This book hits the ground running on page one and doesn’t let until the end. The reader is perfectly matched with the theme, one of the few books I will listen to again and again.


(5 stars)

Wonderful story, so touching and deeply moving.

thank you


(5 stars)

I found this old book at a garage sale and it is such a surprising little gem. If I ever had a quiet moment to read a book so others could share it, it would be this one. But that hasn't happened. I'm very glad you have done it instead, thank you for the donation of your time and for sharing this book.

Beautifully Written


(5 stars)

This book was a bestseller in 1921, and it holds up wonderfully. I particularly love the first chapter, in which we experience the thoughts and emotions of an angry woman who doesn't understand children, and her 5-year-old son's overwhelming fear. It's rare that a book written for adults also takes the young characters seriously. I think this book belongs with the classics


(5 stars)

This was the BESY book I have heard! My mind will be full for quite a while. I don’t even want to start a new one until this is fully digested


(3 stars)

Interesting principle provided in the story, but its very long winded. I sped it up x3 and still easy to understand. Well narrated.


(5 stars)

A bizarrely "happy" ending although not quite. interesting. challenging. beautifully narrated.


(5 stars)

Touching story of male and female roles in traditional American family.