A Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe. Audiobook - full length, free

Описание: Full-length/unabridged audiobook for free, with text. HQ recording.
"A Journal of the Plague Year" is a novel written by Daniel Defoe and published in 1722. It is a fictionalized first-person account of the Great Plague of London in 1665, which was one of the last major outbreaks of bubonic plague in England. The novel is presented as a journal written by an unnamed narrator who lived through the plague and witnessed its devastating effects on the city and its inhabitants.

The narrator of the novel describes the unfolding of the plague with a keen eye for detail and a journalistic tone. He provides a day-by-day account of the progression of the disease, its symptoms, and the various measures taken by the authorities to contain it. He also chronicles the social and economic impact of the plague, as well as the reactions and behaviors of the people of London.

The novel paints a vivid and often gruesome picture of life during the plague. It describes the rapid spread of the disease, the crowded plague pits where the dead were buried, the quarantine measures, and the desperate attempts of people to avoid infection. The narrator tells stories of individuals and families affected by the plague, highlighting the fear, panic, and suffering that gripped the city.

One of the central themes of the book is the resilience and resourcefulness of the human spirit in the face of a deadly epidemic. The narrator describes acts of selflessness and heroism, as well as instances of opportunism and exploitation. He also reflects on the moral and philosophical questions raised by the plague, such as the nature of suffering, the role of religion, and the fragility of human life.

Throughout the novel, the narrator provides a detailed and often critical commentary on the government's response to the plague. He discusses the effectiveness of various public health measures, such as quarantine and the marking of infected houses with a painted sign of a red cross and the words "Lord, have mercy upon us." He also examines the role of the medical profession during the crisis and the challenges of providing care to the sick.

"A Journal of the Plague Year" is often regarded as a work of historical fiction and social commentary. While it is fictional in its narrative, it is based on real historical events and is considered one of the earliest examples of the novel as a literary form. The book offers a compelling and immersive portrayal of the Great Plague of London and provides valuable insights into the social, psychological, and political aspects of a major public health crisis. It remains a significant work in the canon of early English literature and is studied for its historical and literary significance.
More: a journal of the plague year, daniel defoe, audiobook
full length, free, historical fiction
bubonic plague, london, 1665
fictionalized account, pandemic, epidemic
public health, social commentary, survival
human nature