This is an audio recording of D.H. Lawrence's classic short story The Rocking Horse Winner.
This haunting short story explores the destructive nature that greed has on human relationships. Set in England during the early 1900s, the story follows a young boy, Paul, who desperately tries to win his mother's affection by helping her accurately bet on horse races. He is able to predict real horse race winners by riding his rocking horse frenziedly until he reaches a clairvoyant state where he can be sure of the winner's name. Despite Paul’s efforts that brought his family substantial winnings, his mother constantly craves more and ultimately drives her family to ruin and leads Paul to a tragic end. Lawrence masterfully portrays how insatiable desire for wealth can corrupt individuals and destroy the bonds between loved ones.