⌘K
Author
Bennett, Arnold
Best For
Classic mystery lovers and thoughtful listeners
Theme
identity, shame, deception, quiet resilience
Language
English
Genre
mystery
by Bennett, Arnold
Buried Alive, an audiobook by Arnold Bennett, pulls you in with a promise of intrigue and a twist that feels like a secret whispered in a quiet room.
The story follows Mr. Priam Farll, a talented but painfully shy painter whose life turns upside down when his valet dies and the doctor mistakenly swaps their identities. Farll, unwilling to confront the absurdity, lets the world believe he is the dead man, while the living valet is presumed dead. After a funeral in Westminster Abbey, he marries a widow, enjoys a brief period of contentment, and then faces financial ruin that forces him back into painting. A connoisseur spots his style but suspects forgery, and Farll’s stubbornness keeps him from proving his true self, even as he secretly sells his work abroad for a fortune.
The narrative is a quiet study of identity, shame, and the price of authenticity. Bennett paints a London that feels both familiar and uncanny, and Farll’s internal silence is louder than any dialogue. The tension rises as the world around him misreads his life, while his own hesitation keeps him trapped in a self‑imposed exile from truth.
The listening experience is enriched by a cast of varied narrators who give each character a distinct voice—warm, hushed, or sharply amused—making the plot’s twists feel immediate. Their pacing keeps the story moving, and the subtle inflections bring the London streets and the Abbey’s hush to life. Stream this audiobook for free on Unodio and let the voices carry you through a tale of mistaken identity and quiet resilience.
You’ll hear a chorus of voices—each distinct, each carrying the weight of their character—delivering a story that feels both intimate and expansive. The narration’s rhythm mirrors the ebb of London’s streets, creating an immersive soundscape.
Listeners who cherish subtle psychological drama, love a good twist, and enjoy a richly textured London setting will find this story deeply resonant.
Arnold Bennett was a leading figure of early 20th‑century English realism, known for his keen observations of ordinary life and the social fabric of his time. His works often explore the quiet dramas of everyday people, revealing the hidden depths beneath mundane surfaces.
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Some chapters hit differently depending on where you are in life. I think I needed to hear Buried Alive right now. Perfect timing, perfect book.
Good balance of depth and accessibility. You don't need a background in this topic to follow along, but it never feels dumbed down either. Well done.
Finished it in four sittings. Usually takes me weeks to get through an audiobook. Says a lot about how gripping Buried Alive is.
I almost skipped this one because the title didn't grab me. Really glad I didn't. The content inside is miles ahead of what the description suggests.
