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Toilers of the Sea

Toilers of the Sea

Written by: Victor Hugo
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 Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Guernsey, the island where Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile. In Toilers of the Sea, Hugo transforms everyday events into a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a tight-knit island community, just after the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Gilliatt, a misunderstood Guernseyman who falls in love with Deruchette, the niece of a local shipowner, Mess Lethierry. When Lethierrys ship meets its fate on a treacherous reef, Deruchette vows to marry whoever can retrieve the ships steam engine. Gilliatt, undeterred by the scorn of his neighbors, takes on this monumental challenge, leading to a tale of resilience, love, and the harsh realities of life. This recording features the Isabel Hapgood translation, renowned for its fidelity and elegance. - Summary by John GreenmanCopyright Culture and Heritage classics
Episodes
  • 037 - Chapter V - The Bird-Nesters

    037 - Chapter V - The Bird-Nesters
    Feb 22 2026
    Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Guernsey, the island where Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile. In Toilers of the Sea, Hugo transforms everyday events into a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a tight-knit island community, just after the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Gilliatt, a misunderstood Guernseyman who falls in love with Deruchette, the niece of a local shipowner, Mess Lethierry. When Lethierrys ship meets its fate on a treacherous reef, Deruchette vows to marry whoever can retrieve the ships steam engine. Gilliatt, undeterred by the scorn of his neighbors, takes on this monumental challenge, leading to a tale of resilience, love, and the harsh realities of life. This recording features the Isabel Hapgood translation, renowned for its fidelity and elegance. - Summary by John Greenman
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
  • 036 - Chapter IV - Plainmont

    036 - Chapter IV - Plainmont
    Feb 21 2026
    Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Guernsey, the island where Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile. In Toilers of the Sea, Hugo transforms everyday events into a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a tight-knit island community, just after the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Gilliatt, a misunderstood Guernseyman who falls in love with Deruchette, the niece of a local shipowner, Mess Lethierry. When Lethierrys ship meets its fate on a treacherous reef, Deruchette vows to marry whoever can retrieve the ships steam engine. Gilliatt, undeterred by the scorn of his neighbors, takes on this monumental challenge, leading to a tale of resilience, love, and the harsh realities of life. This recording features the Isabel Hapgood translation, renowned for its fidelity and elegance. - Summary by John Greenman
    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • 035 - Chapter III - Clubin Carries Away and does not Bring Back

    035 - Chapter III - Clubin Carries Away and does not Bring Back
    Feb 20 2026
    Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Guernsey, the island where Victor Hugo spent 15 years in exile. In Toilers of the Sea, Hugo transforms everyday events into a gripping drama set against the backdrop of a tight-knit island community, just after the Napoleonic Wars. The story follows Gilliatt, a misunderstood Guernseyman who falls in love with Deruchette, the niece of a local shipowner, Mess Lethierry. When Lethierrys ship meets its fate on a treacherous reef, Deruchette vows to marry whoever can retrieve the ships steam engine. Gilliatt, undeterred by the scorn of his neighbors, takes on this monumental challenge, leading to a tale of resilience, love, and the harsh realities of life. This recording features the Isabel Hapgood translation, renowned for its fidelity and elegance. - Summary by John Greenman
    Show More Show Less
    7 mins
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