Silas Marner

By: George Eliot

Narrated by: Andrew Sachs

Exclusively from Audible

For 15 years the weaver Silas Marner has plied his loom near the village of Raveloe, alone and unjustly in exile, cut off from faith and human love, he cares only for his hoard of golden guineas. But two events occur that will change his life forever; his gold disappears and a golden-haired baby girl appears. But where did she come from and who really stole the gold? This moving tale sees Silas eventually redeemed and restored to life by the unlikely means of his love for the orphan child Eppie.

One of Eliot's most admired and loved works, Silas Marner is a tender and moving tale of betrayal, greed, loss, and redemption, with a finely drawn picture of early 19th-century England before the loss of the simple rural way of life. This moral tale shows the importance of valuing what really matters in life and that the hand we are dealt may ultimately lead to our happiness. Though it is Eliot's shortest book it still retains all the elements which are most recognisable and admirable about her work.

George Eliot was one of the leading writers of the Victorian era. Her novels, largely set in provincial England, are well known for their realism and psychological insight.

Narrator Biography

Beginning his career in repertory theatre, Andrew Sachs made his screen debut in 1959 in the film The Night We Dropped a Clanger. After numerous television appearances, he finally made his name in the 1970s with his role as Spanish waiter Manuel in Fawlty Towers, for which he was BAFTA nominated. A long career in acting and voiceover work followed, including narrating all five series of the BBC's BAFTA award winning series Troubleshooter (1990-1993), ITV's ...from Hell series (1997-2010) and the spoof documentary series That Peter Kay Thing (2000).

Andrew Sachs radio work includes playing Dr John Watson in four series of The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (2002-2010) for BBC Radio 4 as well as appearing in their adaptation of Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency in 2007. In 2009 he starred as Norris' brother, Ramsay Clegg, in Coronation Street. Andrew Sachs audiobook career is extensive and includes many children's titles, such as Judith Kerr's Mog series.

Public Domain (P)2008 Audible, Ltd

So beautiful. A pure pleasure.

This story is like a lovely, simple parable. The language is like a clear, tumbling brook.

Straight to the Heart

I can’t think of a more enjoyable book I’ve read this year! The images of deep suffering in this life along with the deep joy woven into its fabric created a story beneath the story that I could take for my own! Simple yet powerful… a worthy read!

Good read, well narrated.

This is a fun book. Somewhat of a morality tale, but enjoyable all the same. Silas is interesting character. Maybe one of the few single parents closely depicted in literature. The ending was not predictable and the narration was very well done. I may come back and listen to it again.

Beautifully written novel

Performed superbly by Andrew Sachs. Anything by George Eliot is worth spending the time to read or listen to.

Outstanding classic

Reading this story with my 9th grader for school. In looking for an audiobook on yt, because it was a difficult read for her, I happened to find a movie which stays pretty true to the book. I enjoyed this book so much, I have come back to this audiobook to have it for my own collection. I never had to read this book in school. I never would have appreciated it then. Classics like this stand the test of time. The New Afterword by Kathryn Hughes (2001), is also a good short read which explains the book in modern words. This audiobook is very easy to listen to. The reader’s words are smooth like goat lips. You won’t regret getting this.

Enjoyable book

Very good narration, pleasant to listen too. Good story, I struggled a little bit with some of the old English accents but really enjoyed it.

Andrew Sachs

A timeless story I revisited & am completely delighted with the narration by Sachs. He’s so talented.

Never under estimate the early bonds of love.

This novel was required reading in 9th grade literature class, 1984-85 school year. A good read then, an excellent listen in 2023.

A joy

A sweet take told with a mastery of language that makes the even the most mundane passages a rich tapestry for the ears.

Delightful narration of an old favorite

Andrew Sachs’ narration is just right for Elliot’s classic tale of community, commitment, and compensation.