The Great Carbuncle | Bedtime Story for Adults by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Tonight on Chapter & Pillow, we journey into the snowy White Mountains of New Hampshire with Nathaniel Hawthorne’s 1837 short story, The Great Carbuncle. The story follows a small group of travelers climbing high into the winter wilderness to look for a legendary gem that is supposed to shine with a brilliant light. Everyone in the group has their own secret reason for wanting to find it. As the mountain path gets steeper, you start to see that their private motives matter a whole lot more than the actual treasure. Hawthorne’s writing is incredibly steady and thoughtful, which makes it feel like taking slow footsteps through deep snow. The vast, quiet mountains create the perfect, still atmosphere for winding down. This soft, ad-free narration features slow pacing to help you quiet your thoughts, let go of the day, and drift off naturally. Behind the Story: Nathaniel Hawthorne was a famously shy and private man. In fact, after he graduated from college, he spent twelve years living quietly in his mother's house in Salem, spending his days reading and writing in a tiny room under the eaves. He called himself "the most unknown author in America" during this time, which is exactly when he wrote this beautiful story. Send us Fan Mail Support the show About Chapter & Pillow Chapter & Pillow: Where Stories Drift Into Sleep brings you classic bedtime stories that I carefully select to help you leave your day behind and drift peacefully to sleep. No AI-just calm stories by a human voice. 💌 Stay in touch: Have a public-domain story request, suggestion, or just want to say hello? Write anytime at [email protected]. ⭐ Enjoying the show? A rating or review is a simple way to help other listeners discover Chapter & Pillow, and I would be so grateful for your support.. Thank you for spending part of your night with me. So close your eyes, settle in, and have the sweetest of dreams. I'll “see” you next time. Kathleen 🌙