PODCAST · fiction

Kitty Alone

by Sabine Baring-Gould

In the picturesque setting of Coombe Cellers, a charming farmhouse nestled along the Teign estuary in South Devon, we meet Kate Quarm—affectionately known as Kitty. A bright and sensitive girl, Kitty navigates life with her aloof aunt and uncle, while her father, a whimsical dreamer, wanders the countryside in search of the next big scheme. Often feeling isolated and misunderstood, Kitty finds herself yearning for connection. When she unexpectedly ferries the son of the wealthiest farmer across the river, a spark ignites between them, promising a shift in her fortunes. However, the determined Rose Ash has her own plans for John, leaving Kitty distracted by the mysteries of the stars, the pull of the tides, and the allure of a new schoolmaster. The Revd Sabine Bearing Gould, with his keen eye for human nature, paints a vivid portrait of 19th Century English life, filled with humor and a colorful cast of characters. (Summary by MaryAnn)