a free audio book
You will find below a FREE audio version of Jim Wygant’s novel, “The Whiler.” You can listen to it online or click the three-dot symbol on the right side of the player to download each chapter. The work is copyright 2021 and may not be sold or made available to the public elsewhere in any form, although we hope you will share with others the link that will bring them to this page. If you would rather purchase a downloadable e-book version of this novel to install on your digital device, connect with Smashwords. The listed price is $2.99.
“The Whiler” examines the life of one man, from childhood into old age. The story jumps back and forth between his earliest adult years to his encounter, a half-century later, with the world pandemic that struck in 2020. Peter Imblie’s story begins in the 1960s with an awkward romantic adventure that occurs on a ferry ride from Seattle to Victoria, B.C., when Peter was a naive and insecure young man living a solitary life.
That encounter on the ferry continues to haunt Peter Imblie into his senior years. His story progresses through failures and recoveries, sadness and pleasure, and also three marriages. This is a tale that contains both humor and pathos, and some self-examination by the main character as he negotiates the uneven path of his life. There are also a couple dogs.


The chapters are presented below in consecutive order. The story is read in this audio version by the author. While you’re here, you might also take a moment to look on our Books page for a list of all of Jim’s books, including their availability. For several reviews of his writing, see the Home page.
Individual chapters can be accessed below by scrolling down; or use the following links to jump ahead several chapters.
Jump to Chapter 3 Ben, Stein, and Peter’s first two wives
Jump to Chapter 6 a church organist in Victoria
Jump to Chapter 9 worrying about Ben
Jump to Chapter 12 the pandemic