A Likely Story

A Likely Story by William Dean Howells arrives as a sprightly farce that skewers the manners and anxieties of respectable middle‑class life with witty dialogue and lighthearted confusion. Set in the 1890s and written by one of America’s leading realists, this short play places Mr. and Mrs. Willis Campbell, Mr. Welling, Jane, and a lively supporting cast at the center of domestic misunderstandings and social posturing, all rendered with Howells’s ear for natural speech and ironic observation. Part comedy of manners, part miniature stage drama, A Likely Story captures the social codes of late‑Victorian America—marriage, reputation, and the rituals of polite society—while remaining brisk, accessible, and eminently performable. The play’s compact scenes and sparkling repartee make it an ideal example of 19th‑century American theatrical literature that favors character over spectacle. Perfect for listeners who enjoy classic literature and stage plays, this audiobook will appeal to fans of period drama, students exploring American realism, and anyone seeking a concise, entertaining theatrical piece. Tune in for clever comedy, sharp social insight, and an eminently listenable short play that still feels fresh on the modern stage.