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A Woman of Substance

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A Woman of Substance

By: Barbara Taylor Bradford
Narrated by: Bea Holland
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Now a major new Channel 4 series starring Brenda Blethyn (Vera) and Jessica Reynolds (Outlander) from OBE‑honoured, award‑winning author Barbara Taylor Bradford

One girl. One secret. One unstoppable ascent.

In 1905 a young kitchen maid leaves Fairley Hall. Emma Harte is sixteen, single and pregnant.

By 1968 she is one of the richest women in the world, ruler of a business empire stretching from Yorkshire to the glittering cities of America and the rugged vastness of Australia.

But what is the price she has paid?

‘Rivals meets Poldark, with a dash of Downton and Dynasty’ Guardian

'Still a story for our times' The Times

‘ [This] blockbuster 1979 period saga of female empowerment has been remade for a new generation' Daily Mail

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion’ New York Times

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

20th Century Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Romance Women's Fiction Feel-Good
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Critic reviews

‘An extravagant, absorbing novel of love, courage, ambition, war, death and passion.’
New York Times

‘A mighty saga. Little has been so riveting since Gone With the Wind’ Evening News

‘A long, satisfying novel of money, power, passion and revenge, set against the sweep of 20th-century history.’
Los Angeles Times

‘Few novelists are as consummate as Barbara Taylor Bradford at keeping the reader turning the page. She is one of the world’s best at spinning yarns’ Guardian

All stars
Most relevant
Loved it!!!! Did not want it to end. Grit, determination and hard work shows what can be gained in life

Unput downable

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this book I've loved since it came out and it's much easier because you don't have to curl up and grab time, with audio you can be doing anything. love it xx

it was just as good as when I read it 35 years ago

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I read this book many years ago but had forgotten some of the story so enjoyed it anew. The narration was a little disappointing but did not detract from the overall experience. Would def recommend

A great yarn

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This is a wonderful story. Barbara Taylor Bradford has created a remarkable woman. I shall seek more works by her.

This is a wonderful story of a remarkable woman.

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She is definitely an author who has not aged well.
But I do love the story

A trip down memory lane.

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