The Silent Barrier

The Silent Barrier

Louis Tracy, J. V. McFall and A. W. Parsons (1863-1928)

Approximate level
B2
Length
84,416 words
Reading time
7 h 2 min
Chapters
20
Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
2010

This adventure novel, published in 1911, follows an American traveler in Europe. The story features descriptive language typical of early twentieth century British literature. You will encounter formal vocabulary and detailed character observations. The sentences are often long and contain complex structures, which may be challenging for some learners. The narrative focuses on travel, mystery, and social status. It is a suitable choice if you wish to practice reading older prose that emphasizes atmosphere and character interaction over fast paced action.

79,146 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

  • Adventure stories
  • Switzerland -- Fiction
  • Voyages and travels -- Fiction
  • Mystery fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, 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 7 h 2 min at a native pace, spread over 20 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

Similar books

Same language, close to the same level.

Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.