The Empty Chair | Alice and Claude Askew | A Bitesized Audiobook

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  • Опубліковано 25 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 230

  • @BitesizedAudio
    @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +40

    A young couple take their honeymoon in the Lake District, where the bride suggests her husband has “a day off duty" walking the fells. When he loses his way, he seeks aid at a remote and desolate looking house... but could Fate have brought him here? The story begins at 00:01:20. More information about the authors can be found in the video description.
    Narrated/performed by Simon Stanhope, aka Bitesized Audio. If you enjoy this content and would like to help me keep creating, there are a few ways you can support me (and get access to exclusive content):
    * Occasional/one-off support via Buy Me a Coffee: www.buymeacoffee.com/bitesizedaudio
    * Monthly support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/bitesizedaudio
    * Visit my Bandcamp page to hear more of my performances of classic stories, and you can purchase and download high quality audio files to listen offline: bitesizedaudio.bandcamp.com/
    * Become a Bitesized Audio Classics member on UA-cam, from $1 / £1 / €1 per month:
    ua-cam.com/users/BitesizedAudioClassicsjoin

    • @waningmooncancer9628
      @waningmooncancer9628 Рік тому +2

      Thank you, Simon ❣️❣️❣️❣️Excellent tale, first making me laugh, then I'm smiling sadly at the just of the story 🤷‍♀️. It was waaaay too sweet, I'm so grateful. GOD bless you and your family. Happy Mother's Day to your mom and mrs, if appropriate.

    • @mariameere5807
      @mariameere5807 Рік тому +3

      I forgot to get you a coffee this month but I swear I will on the 29 th! I promise you and I had started to before…I was distracted by my phone ringing. Forgive me. This is my favourite type of story EVER! I love stories about clairvoyance and such!! Thank you so much Earth Angel 🙏♥️🙏

    • @lizpride9960
      @lizpride9960 Рік тому

      What a very lovely story Simon! Thank you. All the sweeter to me because I used to live near Keswick. Beautifully read.

    • @maudeswanson6392
      @maudeswanson6392 8 місяців тому

      Love IT Love IT

    • @maudeswanson6392
      @maudeswanson6392 8 місяців тому

      AND LIKE IT

  • @jamc9459
    @jamc9459 Рік тому +11

    My friend Simon, I'm on a fixed income at 65.......I try to help my local friends on Maui, so dont have extra to send you, albeit it's well deserved. I love your channel.
    I love listening to you. Thank you my friend. Your channel is a blessing.
    GOD bless you.
    Aloha from Kapakalua, Maui.

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +5

      Thanks so much, best wishes to you. Listening, sharing and commenting all helps the channel to grow and helps to support me!

  • @Huckebein2
    @Huckebein2 Рік тому +1

    My partner is from the Lake District. We intend to spend Christmas there. It will be lovely to listen once again to your telling of this story in those environments.

  • @karenkrohn8003
    @karenkrohn8003 Рік тому +36

    What a sweet story! And so sensitively narrated, as always. Thank you for introducing another perfect gem into our lives, Simon.

  • @uncomposedpiano5422
    @uncomposedpiano5422 Рік тому +5

    I was expecting horror, sadness, tragedy... I need more of these stories, this one has made me feel so much compassion for the characters and I was happy for them at the end. Thank you for making these wonderful narrations.

  • @jojohnston4113
    @jojohnston4113 Рік тому +40

    A captivating, sweet story. Glad to be introduced to its authors, as well. What an amazing life they shared!

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +3

      Yes indeed... I hoping to dig out some more of their stories in the future

  • @susangordon1157
    @susangordon1157 Рік тому +24

    What a lovely gift on Mother's Day. My gratitude and sincere thanks Simon. I always find your voice so soothing and the stories very entertaining. You are blessed and your listeners, in turn, are as well. ❤

  • @debbieanderson9270
    @debbieanderson9270 Рік тому +24

    I won't deny, I was near to tears at the end. What a touching story! Thank you Simon😅

  • @hathorearthfyre
    @hathorearthfyre Рік тому +1

    Oh dear, I'm in tears. Such a beautiful, poignant story. Thank you!

  • @jared1870
    @jared1870 Рік тому +27

    Yes! Simon strikes again. Thank you.

  • @mjrchapin
    @mjrchapin Рік тому +13

    What a wonderful story! I was thinking that perhaps the plot would involve the old man having seen the young woman, which made him think she was still young, but this was much much better! A very sensitive and nuanced reading, as usual!

  • @scottiwilkinson
    @scottiwilkinson Рік тому +6

    I can’t get enough of these!!!

  • @juliehobbs7938
    @juliehobbs7938 Рік тому +1

    Thank you again Simon. I suffer insomnia and your voice is relaxing and often helps me to sleep. I mean that in the best way. I often have to on the following night find the last place I remember in the story.. You are the best narrator I have heard. Thank you for your talent and efforts.

  • @Jens-j9l
    @Jens-j9l Рік тому +4

    Delightful , another jewel and feather to Mr Stanhopes cap !

  • @lesleykaygosson315
    @lesleykaygosson315 Рік тому +11

    Such a beautiful and splendid story. Kind of sad at times but has the quintessential happily ever after. I really enjoy your voice, so comforting. Thank You For Sharing This With Us. ❤

  • @stewartlancaster6155
    @stewartlancaster6155 Рік тому +13

    fantastic, a story set where I live ! The Lake DIstrict. Thanks for another quality offering Simon.
    tip if lost on fells to orientate yourself, point the hour hand of your watch, at the sun, halfway between that and the figure 12 on watch face is due South, from that you can derive north, east and west. Does not work at night !

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +2

      That's an extremely useful tip, thank you! I shall make sure to remember it. I've not been to the Lakes for some years, I must revisit soon: such a beautiful part of the world

  • @rneustel388
    @rneustel388 Рік тому +1

    This nearly brought me to tears. Thank you for your beautiful reading of this story that blends joy and sorrow so sweetly.

  • @Frenchblue8
    @Frenchblue8 Рік тому +16

    It's American Mother's Day, so thank you thank you thank you!! The last moments of the day for this mother, will be spent in her favorite of ways~drifting off to a new-old 'bedtime' story, from the amazing Simon!!
    A brilliant Mother's Day gift, and so appreciated!🩵

    • @inisipisTV
      @inisipisTV Рік тому +7

      Happy Mother's day to all you Mothers around the world.

    • @SEARSJAMES
      @SEARSJAMES Рік тому +4

      @@inisipisTV AMEN TO THAT!

    • @Charles-oo8bq
      @Charles-oo8bq Рік тому +3

      In Germany as well

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +1

      Happy Mother's Day

    • @Frenchblue8
      @Frenchblue8 Рік тому +1

      @@BitesizedAudio Thank you, Simon,💌 and Happy Mother's Day to all mothers everywhere, whenever your special day falls, wherever you are! 🩷

  • @Paxtonparsnip
    @Paxtonparsnip Рік тому +10

    Wonderful description of getting lost on the fells in the mist! Happened to me several times! The authors have it spot on! Overall a thoroughly satisfying story - cleverly selected and beautifully written as always! Thanks!

  • @jeri926
    @jeri926 Рік тому +12

    Simon, thank you for doing that story. It was delightful. We listen to you while we are doing work at home. A beautiful mother's day gift for us.

  • @synesthete23
    @synesthete23 Рік тому +3

    A bittersweet story. It may seem simplistic at first, but the ‘chair’ and the father’s transformation shows the slow healing process of our emotional wounds. May we all find the same opportunity to heal while we have time 🙂

  • @chimera8421
    @chimera8421 Рік тому +8

    Great. Saving this for bedtime x

    • @Frenchblue8
      @Frenchblue8 Рік тому +3

      I always do although it's difficult sometimes, to actually wait that long, especially if I find that I have some peace and quiet during the day he uploads!

  • @shannondore
    @shannondore Рік тому +14

    This was lovely and touching. Thank you Simon.😊

  • @julielevinge266
    @julielevinge266 Рік тому +9

    What a wonderful story, thank you so much.✊♥️

  • @blixten2928
    @blixten2928 Рік тому +9

    Such a sweet story, so beautifully told. Thank you a thousand times!

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +1

      You're most welcome, so glad to know you enjoyed it

  • @blixten2928
    @blixten2928 Рік тому +6

    What joy, thank you so much!!

  • @TedaR
    @TedaR Рік тому +3

    Thank you once again dear Simon! VWD sir! 👏👏👏👍👍👍💜

  • @christabedwin
    @christabedwin Рік тому +7

    Hurray!! A new one for Canadian Mother’s Day. ❤thank you Simon.

  • @beverlyadams7205
    @beverlyadams7205 Рік тому +9

    Thank you so much, Simon! I love the story! The ending was amazing. A super Mother’s Day gift for me!❤

  • @cantonhag
    @cantonhag Рік тому +3

    A gift of voice shared makes life easier for so many. What a blessing you provide, Mr Simon. Thanks for the positive.❤😊

  • @BeautifulEarthJa
    @BeautifulEarthJa Рік тому +4

    How did you know I was gonna take a nap! And perfect put-me-to-bed length too 👌

  • @lyndaa7560
    @lyndaa7560 Рік тому +1

    Superb narration of a very moving story. The background of the Askew’s was fascinating, they lived, loved, wrote & died together which was the right way & end of life for them. Many thanks Simon xxx

  • @mariamcgee4462
    @mariamcgee4462 Рік тому +6

    I very much enjoyed that tale, thank you Simon.

  • @katyvdb5993
    @katyvdb5993 Рік тому +2

    A tender and moving story - sad, in spite of the upward lift at the end.
    And oh dear! As one who lived in Cumbria for 20 years, the bare idea of going fell-walking in an unfamiliar part of the Lake District, all by oneself, inadequately prepared, caused the hair to rise on my scalp! Don't do it, chaps!

  • @LadyBronwynn1400
    @LadyBronwynn1400 Рік тому +5

    Thank you, Simon! I have my downtime every night to unwind. I can't wait to fill it with your story. Makes for a great end to a beautiful Mother's Day.

  • @davidwhite7294
    @davidwhite7294 Рік тому +3

    What a lovely story, surely one of the happiest ghost stories and oh how l enjoyed guessing that he would ask for the chair to be removed and quickly saying it just before you…..extremely childish but enormously satisfying…..🤝👍

  • @shirleynarsi
    @shirleynarsi Рік тому +1

    Wonderfully narrated. A poignant tale of love bitterness and reconciliation with a touch of spine chilling twist. You nailed this.

  • @morgancaughlin5298
    @morgancaughlin5298 Рік тому +3

    Very enjoyable performance!

  • @adriennedunne1748
    @adriennedunne1748 Рік тому +1

    What a wonderful story Simon. I loved the ending. It was lovely. He found someone real to love again and could leave the past behind. Thanks so much. I really enjoyed that one.

  • @irenabevans3411
    @irenabevans3411 Рік тому +5

    A trace of Oliver Twist in the tale, superb story wonderfully read as ever Simon ❤

  • @camillemarchese7086
    @camillemarchese7086 Рік тому +3

    Perfect gift at the end of moms day. I appreciate your talent and hard work. No one does it like you. Happy Moms day to all the Mamas… Namaste

  • @ursamajor7468
    @ursamajor7468 Рік тому +6

    What a sadly beautiful story. You did it justice, Simon, that is for certain.
    Congratulations on your well deserved 50,000 subscribers

  • @ssg8051
    @ssg8051 Рік тому +5

    A most excellent tale and perfectly told. Cheers, Ardith

  • @krishnasen397
    @krishnasen397 Рік тому +1

    A rather unusual but very interesting ghost story with a satisfactorily ending.
    Not familiar with the husband/ wife writer duo. Felt sad to read about their unfortunate deaths.
    Thanks so much Simon Stanhope Sir for selecting/ sharing the story, for the valuable information about the writers and above all for your marvelous narration/ performance.
    God bless

  • @kayi9236
    @kayi9236 Рік тому +1

    Wonderful as always Simon, thank you for this poignant tale, brought to us by your excellent performance!

  • @pauliewogmastercertifiedli535
    @pauliewogmastercertifiedli535 Рік тому +2

    Thanks again, Simon!

  • @ryangooseling
    @ryangooseling Рік тому +5

    That was a very touching story❤

  • @michellebastiani6470
    @michellebastiani6470 Рік тому +2

    What a beautiful story ❤
    Thank you very much Simon ✌️🫶

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому

      You're very welcome Michelle, so glad to know you enjoyed it

  • @stephaniealeman8522
    @stephaniealeman8522 Рік тому +6

    Fresh and fragrant as a budding flower tipped with dew…🙏🏽

  • @annettehough2792
    @annettehough2792 Рік тому +4

    Congratulations on 50K 🎊

  • @tammyhanlon3057
    @tammyhanlon3057 Рік тому +2

    Wow!!! Thanks Simon. Can't listen right now, be back at bedtime.

  • @janetathanasopoulou2002
    @janetathanasopoulou2002 Рік тому +1

    A touching story beautifully read, as always, by Simon. I do so enjoy these wonderful readings from another era and being transported back in time. Thank you.

  • @debbiewilliams9113
    @debbiewilliams9113 Рік тому +1

    What a charming, bittersweet story, (like the lives of the authors) and a pleasure to listen to.

  • @CrowSkeleton
    @CrowSkeleton Рік тому +1

    Aw, I was hoping mother and daughter would be hinted to have been re-united, but at least the lady gained an extra parent to shame the sanctimonious cousin-in-law with. Thank you for reading this, as always.

  • @wendygillard2133
    @wendygillard2133 Рік тому +3

    Hi Simon, thank you very much for providing myself & many other people with hours of enjoyment through these stories.

  • @michaeldonahoo461
    @michaeldonahoo461 Рік тому +1

    What a beautiful story! Very uplifting, entertaining, and enjoyable.

  • @joycebowen8958
    @joycebowen8958 Рік тому +4

    What a wonderful story!❤️

  • @carolallain6130
    @carolallain6130 Рік тому +2

    Beautiful story and wonderfully narrated! Thank you Simon❤

  • @margaretgoodheart4167
    @margaretgoodheart4167 Рік тому +3

    Always enjoy your stories and the reading of them. I, perhaps, was impressed by the bio of this remarkable couple even more than by the story. Thank you, Simon.🎉

  • @mariameere5807
    @mariameere5807 Рік тому +5

    So glad to see this Simon and I almost missed it… I was just about to give up scrolling through the notifications I have missed when I saw this! Thank you so much I really appreciate you! Blessings to you!
    💫💜💫

  • @SpuktasticAudio
    @SpuktasticAudio Рік тому +3

    A dream come true - in more ways than one. ❤

  • @emmahardesty4330
    @emmahardesty4330 5 місяців тому

    Thank you. That was sweet, an ending unique among that sort of story: that simple, plain acceptance returned to the deluded man, with a reminder that coincidence sometimes runs deep.

  • @hannahreynolds7611
    @hannahreynolds7611 Рік тому +2

    Lovely story, and beautifully read, Simon. Thank you, as always, for your work in finding and sharing these stories with us.
    I do worry about the huge number of Victorian/Edwardian honeymooning women whose husbands have ghostly experiences the first time they go off for a walk on their own.

  • @tashuys
    @tashuys Рік тому +1

    Looking forward to hearing more from this duo. Thank you for this story, Simon, it's beautiful

  • @LudaMas-b6k
    @LudaMas-b6k 9 місяців тому

    Thank you kindly for narrating these wonderful productions of literature that can be doubtlessly called masterpieces

  • @MarianRedmond-h8t
    @MarianRedmond-h8t Рік тому

    I'm dyslexic and I love the way you describe everybody in the story.

  • @LadyBronwynn1400
    @LadyBronwynn1400 Рік тому

    Absolutely wonderful. I loved the story. I listened to it again tonight. Bravo Simon.

  • @hermione9445
    @hermione9445 Рік тому +1

    What an excellent story ..Quite touching ..and of course your narration is perfect as always .Many thanks . 💕

  • @goodintentions1302
    @goodintentions1302 Рік тому

    Thank You for the interesting story & your excellent narration. I was lost in the Himalayas one afternoon, feeling frightened from a young father shawl salesman who proposed meeting me in my room so he "could make me feel wonderful." Rather than stay at the village close to the edge of the trekking, I fled with the intention of getting to Pokhara. Without good communication, not understanding their language & still thinking they understood me, I ended up miles from any village with tea houses available. I was carrying a full backpack & another pack on my front. I'd been separated from my companion because of neuropathy pain in my feet that went up to mid-hip. I stayed behind & rested in a wonderful place but decided to trek on towards Pokhara once I was feeling better rather than take the bus back. Fortunately for me a young man on a motorcycle asked if I was okay. I expect he realized how out of place this old lady was. I paid him what he requested & asked him to go slower than his normal since I was holding onto my trekking pole, one that, try as I might, I couldn't collapse. The road was steep & bumpy with turns so severe that vehicles of all descriptions tooted their horns before going through the turn to avoid collisions. He took me to the store where we'd originally had the taxi from Pokhara drop us off to start our trek. Everyone there was very kind to me & helped me get a taxi back to Pokhara. Only I didn't know the address of our hotel! My phone was dead & I didn't know a place to charge it. That left me walking what seemed like miles till I found familiar places. Whew! I made it before things shut down for the night. ... It was only as I was finishing writing this that I remembered I was also lost in the desert at Black Rock City during Burning Man 2016!! It was in the last days of the gathering & many street signs & points of interest that I used for navigation were gone. Hot during the day & not quite freezing that night,, I thought I'd freeze to death even though I'd brought warm clothes also. I was riding a bike, which is common, & my headlamp was dying. I know I sound like I'm a world traveler, although these are the two big adventures in my life. That & having all my clothes soaking wet @ Kibo Hut on Mt Kilimanjaro where I literally prayed to die because I didn't think I would make it out of there. It was below freezing, all my clothes were wet from the rain we'd had for 3 days. Rain that turned to sleet, then snow. I was exhausted & only made the last distance to Kibo Hut by imagining that there were straps attached to my ankles pulling my feet forward. At least in the Himalayas I was appropriately dressed, & comfortable temperature wise.

  • @mijiyoon5575
    @mijiyoon5575 Рік тому +1

    Oh, very good⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You *Simon*

  • @jimmillward3505
    @jimmillward3505 Рік тому +2

    Brilliant Simon. I really enjoyed the story. especially as I grew up in the lake district, and even once got lost in the mist for a little while on top of Helvellyn, the mist cleared eventually but for a few minutes it was very unnerving.

  • @januzzell8631
    @januzzell8631 Рік тому

    Oh bless - and the quaver you gave that last line brought tears to my eyes - thank you - charming

  • @michaelbilton5884
    @michaelbilton5884 Рік тому

    We love to listen to you reading all of the stories, but this was a special one. Thank you so much , how sad they died so tragically.

  • @northernlights8126
    @northernlights8126 Рік тому

    What a lovely story.Thank you Simon.

  • @margiehelberg4594
    @margiehelberg4594 4 місяці тому

    Beautiful story, beautifully narrated. Everything came alive before my eyes ❤

  • @sugarfalls1
    @sugarfalls1 Рік тому +4

    That's a very touching story. And I was reading the bio of the couple and I found their collaboration of writing to be really interesting! The most tragic thing about them is the way they died. So, so sad. That's the only thing I wish I hadn't read about them. Damn those U-boats! Ugh, Well thank you for a very nice reading of this story. It was a real pleasure!! Just love your channel!

  • @nickybaker1338
    @nickybaker1338 10 місяців тому

    What a bitter sweet story. As always I could picture every character, due entirely to your wonderful narration, your skill at playing a full cast. Superb.
    Thank you Simon 😊

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  10 місяців тому

      Thanks so much Nicky - I see you've been listening to some of my back catalogue recently, like this one. So glad to know you enjoyed them. More to come!

  • @larauch13
    @larauch13 11 місяців тому

    A wonderful story with a very happy ending. I love it.

  • @lisamariehennessey4532
    @lisamariehennessey4532 Рік тому +2

    😭😭😭😭 that was so beautiful 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @mrs.cracker4622
    @mrs.cracker4622 Рік тому +1

    Lovely choice for Mother's Day in the States. Many thanks!

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому

      You're welcome Mrs. C. It wasn't deliberate as I hadn't actually realised it was Mother's Day in the US (we had ours in the UK back in March), but yes it is quite an appropriate story!

  • @elleeo1495
    @elleeo1495 7 місяців тому

    Thank you, Simon, for this sweet story!

  • @grahamwilloughby7091
    @grahamwilloughby7091 Рік тому

    What a great story - and so well read. I was ironing whilst listening to this and both the ironing and the story finished at the same time! Perfect!

  • @meghan3713
    @meghan3713 Рік тому +2

    Greetings from Egypt ! Great story as usual!! 🙂

  • @jackalina91
    @jackalina91 Рік тому +1

    This was an unexpectedly sadly beautiful story. Thank you so much Simon. I enjoyed it immensely. ♥️♥️😎🇦🇺✌️

  • @johnburns2940
    @johnburns2940 Рік тому

    I have found myself in an excellent mood, listening to this work if excellence

  • @susanotway7875
    @susanotway7875 Рік тому

    A very charming story. Thank you Simon.

  • @bobnewmanknott3433
    @bobnewmanknott3433 Рік тому +1

    As always another gem Thank you so much RNK

  • @Charles-oo8bq
    @Charles-oo8bq Рік тому +1

    Truly appreciate this. Excellent narration as always.

    • @Charles-oo8bq
      @Charles-oo8bq Рік тому +1

      Reminds me of my absolute favorite, the phantom coach..

    • @BitesizedAudio
      @BitesizedAudio  Рік тому +1

      Yes indeed, there are strong echoes of The Phantom Coach early on, but then it goes in an unexpectedly different direction

    • @Charles-oo8bq
      @Charles-oo8bq Рік тому

      @@BitesizedAudio I love them both. Thank you

  • @elisabethanzenberger4534
    @elisabethanzenberger4534 Місяць тому

    Simply wonderful! Thank you so much!

  • @taliabee8661
    @taliabee8661 Рік тому +2

    Aw, that was weirdly sweet…thank you 😀♥️

  • @rozdoyle8872
    @rozdoyle8872 10 місяців тому

    Wow , Thank you so much , what a wonderful story so beautifully narrated.

  • @stevecausey545
    @stevecausey545 Рік тому

    What a wonderful story!
    Thank you so much.

  • @dahlrussell
    @dahlrussell Рік тому

    Oh! How beautiful. So touching. Thank you.❤

  • @simoneclift3155
    @simoneclift3155 Рік тому

    Fantastic! Holiday complete.
    Thank you again Mr Stanhope.x

  • @Aiko2-26-9
    @Aiko2-26-9 Рік тому

    I really enjoyed this story. A touch of the creepy but with a satisfying ending.

  • @jamieorourke767
    @jamieorourke767 Рік тому

    Dear Simon,I just listened to you reading chapters of. The trumpet major,your chapters saved the book for me

  • @diane5891
    @diane5891 Рік тому +1

    I enjoyed that. I like the short stories

  • @LadyEng
    @LadyEng Рік тому

    Lovely! Thank you, Simon. ❤

  • @barbaraseaton1593
    @barbaraseaton1593 Рік тому +3

    Simon I have just found your channel and am looking forward to listening to evocative voice.

  • @williamhagen2792
    @williamhagen2792 Рік тому +1

    Having listened to many of your stories, so many I have trouble finding a new one.