Shirley
by Charlotte Bronte
English • Public Domain • Free to stream
Shirley, published in 1849, is Charlotte Bronte's social novel set during the Luddite uprisings of industrial Yorkshire. Two women — the quiet Caroline Helstone and the bold, independent Shirley Keeldar — refuse to accept the limited roles society has assigned them. Against a backdrop of mill workers' riots and economic hardship, Bronte explores friendship, love, class, and the constraints placed on women. Shirley is thought to be partially based on Emily Bronte. The novel is both a romance and a powerful commentary on early Victorian society. Stream this classic free, with no account or subscription required.
About the book: Shirley
Shirley is an 1849 social novel by the English novelist Charlotte Brontë. It was Brontë's second published novel after Jane Eyre, which was originally published under Brontë's pseudonym Currer Bell. While Charlotte Brontë was writing the book, three of her siblings died.
The novel is set in Yorkshire in 1811 to 1812, during the industrial depression resulting from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. It is set against the backdrop of the Luddite uprisings in the Yorkshire textile industry. The novel explores themes of industrial conflict and human relationships through its central characters.
The novel's popularity led to the surname Shirley becoming popular as a first name for women. Brontë told the reader it was a tradition in the family to only give this surname as a first name to male children. It wasn't commonly used as a first name in England before the book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shirley free to listen to?
Yes, Shirley is completely free to stream. No account, no subscription, and no ads required. It is in the public domain.
Who wrote Shirley?
Shirley was written by Charlotte Bronte, published in 1849.
Is Shirley in the public domain?
Yes, Shirley by Charlotte Bronte is in the public domain and free to read, share, and listen to worldwide.
How long is Shirley to listen to?
Shirley takes approximately 20 hours to listen to in full.
When was Shirley written?
Shirley was first published in 1849. It is now in the public domain and free to stream.
Who narrates Shirley?
Shirley uses AI multi-voice narration. Each character has a distinct voice — narrators, heroes, villains and supporting characters all sound different, making it easy to follow the story.
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What genre is Shirley?
Shirley is classic literature. It is a classic work of literature now in the public domain.