The White Feather


Read by Mark F. Smith

(4.6 stars; 213 reviews)

Sheen, a member of Seymour's House at Wrykyn School, flees from an unexpected assault by town boys. His colleagues wade into the fight with relish, acquiring bruises and sore heads, but in the fracas, Sheen is missed, and the story makes the rounds of Wrykyn that when blows were traded, Sheen "funked it."

Honor in such institutions depends on reliably standing with your House. As punishment for his defection, Sheen is "cut" - treated as if he did not exist.

In a later expedition into town, Sheen is set upon by the town bullies and finds that when retreat is no option, he can take their blows and fight against odds. Seeing his pluck, bystander Joe Bevan, an ex-champion boxer, offers to tutor Sheen.

Surprisingly, Sheen finds he has a knack for boxing. And with that discovery comes a plan: he will fight for his House in the Lightweight division and win back his honor.

But the best-laid plans... may go awry!

Wodehouse, a humorist, picks up the sober topic of cowardice but treats it with his customary panache. (4 hr 56 min)

Chapters

Expert Opinions 16:05 Read by Mark F. Smith
Sheen at Home 11:54 Read by Mark F. Smith
Sheen Receives Visitors and Advice 11:23 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Better Part of Valour 12:13 Read by Mark F. Smith
The White Feather 14:31 Read by Mark F. Smith
Albert Redivivus 12:18 Read by Mark F. Smith
Mr. Joe Bevan 11:39 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Naval Battle & Its Consequences 13:11 Read by Mark F. Smith
Sheen Begins His Education 12:23 Read by Mark F. Smith
Sheen's Progress 12:45 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Small Incident 12:11 Read by Mark F. Smith
Dunstable and Linton Go Up the River 9:49 Read by Mark F. Smith
Deus ex Machina 13:20 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Skirmish 10:36 Read by Mark F. Smith
The Rout at Ripton 14:13 Read by Mark F. Smith
Drummond Goes Into Retirement 10:33 Read by Mark F. Smith
Seymour's One Success 13:08 Read by Mark F. Smith
Mr. Bevan Makes a Suggestion 13:39 Read by Mark F. Smith
Paving the Way 12:59 Read by Mark F. Smith
Sheen Goes to Aldershot 10:20 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Good Start 6:48 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Good Finish 12:14 Read by Mark F. Smith
A Surprise for Seymour's 17:37 Read by Mark F. Smith
Bruce Explains 11:01 Read by Mark F. Smith

Reviews

Great Story With A Lesson


(5 stars)

This story is another example of why Wodehouse is my favorite author. It is different from most of his other stories but it still left me with a warm and comfortable feeling. But it is a great lesson for teachers and students who know how often kids bully and make fun of their weaker fellows. I have a friend whose young gifted son committed suicide because he was made fun of by his fellow students. So not only is the story an enjoyable read but I think it would be well for any teacher or student to read so as to be aware of such behavior on the part of some children. But for all that it was a wonderful book and so well read. I thank the reader, and may God bless you for your gift to me and others, and God bless Librivox.

Not quite typical Wodehouse


(5 stars)

But a good story nonetheless. Sheen has more pluck than he realizes, all he needs is a firm hand to help cultivate it. This is a very nice story, not your laugh-out-loud typical Wodehouse, but still good. Mark Smith is an excellent reader. I always enjoy his books. Thanks Mark!


(5 stars)

Very well written & Mark Smith is the best narrator of all Lilbrovox volunteers. One of the best books & stories I’ve heard in 8 years of listening, A GP story. But I like these stories about the hapless teen who wins out over bullying & overcomes his own fears to triumph!! ELS

Great listen


(4.5 stars)

Perhaps a little hackneyed and predictable in plot, but still a wonderful story from Wodehouse with a timeless message. Highly recommended. Excellently read by Mark Smith, whose voicing of Sheen captured just the right touch of pathos.

A DIFFERENT SIDE OF PGW


(5 stars)

As one commentator has already said, it is not the typical PGW with lots of belly laughs. But, it is almost allegorical, and the author still emblazons his special stamp on it. I always enjoy Mark Smith, but this may be his best read yet.


(4 stars)

A departure from the usual Wodehouse style but a good uncomplicated story for all that. I don't usually like an American voicing of English literature but this chap did a good job and I will seek out more of his readings what! - Chriso.


(4 stars)

A delightful tale of life in the "public" schools of England in the early 20th century. In this early Wodehouse tale, one can't help but hear ancestral links to Hogwarts and the Karate Kid.

decent story, well read


(4 stars)

still fairly new to Wodehouse and although a decent story I didn't find it nearly as entertaining (funny) as his works with the Jeeves character.