The People of the Abyss

Written by:
Jack London
Narrated by:
Peter Yearsley

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
63
Narrator
20
Release Date
January 2016
Duration
6 hours 28 minutes
Summary
Jack London lived for a time within the grim and grimy world of the East End of London, where half a million people scraped together hardly enough on which to survive. Even if they were able to work, they were paid only enough to allow them a pitiful existence. He grew to know and empathise with these forgotten (or ignored) people as he spoke with them and tasted the workhouse, life on the streets, ... and the food, which was cheap, barely nutritious, and foul.

He writes about his experiences in a fluid and narrative style, making it very clear what he thinks of the social structures which created the Abyss, and of the millionaires who live high on the labours of a people forced to live in squalor. "... The food this managing class eats, the wine it drinks, ... the fine clothes it wears, are challenged by eight million mouths which have never had enough to fill them, and by twice eight million bodies which have never been sufficiently clothed and housed."

(Summary by Peter Yearsley)
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Reviews
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Anonymous

A weighty time which cannot leave the reader unmoved. Narrated without fault it takes the reader into the realms of the utter despair and futility of the inhabitants of London's East End of the past. I am left with a feeling of undeserved privilege in 2020 that such an iniquitous situation was allowed to exist at a time when 'The British Empire' was at it's zenith.

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Miss Cazzy Bee

Great book. Very well written and executed. Reader was very fluent and clear. I enjoyed it.

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Anonymous

Great voice, incredible and heart-breaking story about hardships and humiliating living conditions…

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Talisha

Great book! Sad times! Recommended!!!

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Anonymous

Gripping story, sad how the people lived.

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Kevin C.

This is a must read or listen for all people. You think that you have it hard now then listen to this fabulous narrated book. Society still has a lot to do but we have come a long way. Very Very sad what so many had to endure not that long ago.

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Frank H

Very interesting description of how the East end of London was.

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