Robert Kimberly


Read by Bob R

(4.8 stars; 7 reviews)

The novel is set among the wealthy of the Northeast in the USA of the early 1900's. A close knit group of about ten couples in high society visit each others homes for dance, drink, conversation and partying. The male members are mostly affiliated with a closely held conglomerate controlling the sugar refinery industry. Robert Kimberly and his brother Charles are the top executives. Robert Kimberly is very highly respected and is seen as the leader; unlike most of the group, he is not married. He cares for his very decrepit oldest brother, with the help of a hired Catholic monk. Alice McBirney and her husband have recently moved from the Midwest to join the group. He has just sold his refinery to the Kimberlys, and is now an officer. Robert Kimberly is soon very attracted to Alice. She tries to avoid any such improprieties; she wants him only as a friend.

The novel has some serious themes, like the sanctity of marriage, the Catholic Church, the relationship of classes in society, labor vs. management, divorce, etc. Robert has the highest of values in most regards, but falls hopelessly in love with Alice. The idea of adultery is a horror to Alice, though her marriage is an unhappy one. She will not consider divorce. The resolutions in the story are not happy ones.

It is most interesting that Frank Spearman should write this novel. He is known for his Westerns; they always concerned the early days of the railroads. He preceded this romance novel with two Westerns; after "Robert Kimberly", all were Westerns. This reader thinks "Robert Kimberly" was this best work. (Summary by Bob Rollins) (10 hr 28 min)

Chapters

Chapter 01 20:05 Read by Bob R
Chapter 02 19:58 Read by Bob R
Chapter 03 8:07 Read by Bob R
Chapter 04 9:55 Read by Bob R
Chapter 05 17:19 Read by Bob R
Chapter 06 11:45 Read by Bob R
Chapter 07 18:24 Read by Bob R
Chapter 08 21:40 Read by Bob R
Chapter 09 10:20 Read by Bob R
Chapter 10 19:38 Read by Bob R
Chapter 11 9:19 Read by Bob R
Chapter 12 20:02 Read by Bob R
Chapter 13 10:32 Read by Bob R
Chapter 14 8:10 Read by Bob R
Chapter 15 17:15 Read by Bob R
Chapter 16 11:36 Read by Bob R
Chapter 17 25:56 Read by Bob R
Chapter 18 13:34 Read by Bob R
Chapter 19 21:56 Read by Bob R
Chapter 20 19:54 Read by Bob R
Chapter 21 9:23 Read by Bob R
Chapter 22 13:11 Read by Bob R
Chapter 23 12:06 Read by Bob R
Chapter 24 12:07 Read by Bob R
Chapter 25 11:43 Read by Bob R
Chapter 26 15:40 Read by Bob R
Chapter 27 17:55 Read by Bob R
Chapter 28 4:40 Read by Bob R
Chapter 29 19:06 Read by Bob R
Chapter 30 7:59 Read by Bob R
Chapter 31 11:09 Read by Bob R
Chapter 32 11:56 Read by Bob R
Chapter 33 11:46 Read by Bob R
Chapter 34 5:11 Read by Bob R
Chapter 35 8:32 Read by Bob R
Chapter 36 9:13 Read by Bob R
Chapter 37 18:22 Read by Bob R
Chapter 38 19:42 Read by Bob R
Chapter 39 8:19 Read by Bob R
Chapter 40 15:35 Read by Bob R
Chapter 41 4:18 Read by Bob R
Chapter 42 5:27 Read by Bob R
Chapter 43 8:33 Read by Bob R
Chapter 44 13:21 Read by Bob R
Chapter 45 4:38 Read by Bob R
Chapter 46 6:37 Read by Bob R
Chapter 47 12:23 Read by Bob R
Chapter 48 13:46 Read by Bob R

Reviews


(4.5 stars)

Enjoyed the readers voice, kept my interest right through, very nice story, I could feel sadness, happiness, and the death of Alice. So well read. Thank you, Gloria, Canada