The secret of Father Brown

The secret of Father Brown

G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton (1874-1936)

Approximate level
B1
Length
64,322 words
Reading time
5 h 22 min
Chapters
10
Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
2023

This collection of short stories follows Father Brown, a humble priest who solves complex crimes using his deep understanding of human nature. Written in the early twentieth century, the prose features sophisticated vocabulary and intricate sentence structures that reflect the formal style of that era. You will encounter descriptive language and philosophical reflections that require careful attention. This book is a demanding read because it relies on nuanced irony and clever wordplay, making it an excellent challenge for those improving their English proficiency.

65,313 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

  • England -- Fiction
  • Clergy -- Fiction
  • Detective and mystery stories, English
  • Catholics -- Fiction
  • Brown, Father (Fictitious character) -- Fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B1, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 49 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 5 h 22 min at a native pace, spread over 10 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.