Another Classic!

This book truly stands the test of time. If you've read it before as I have I think you will enjoy listening to the story this time. Its such a wonderful story that should be revisited now and then. The narration is suburb. This is definitely one that I will listen to again in the future.

14 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Such beautiful writing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I certainly would recommend it. I loved the descriptions of the landscape, the agricultural life,

What did you like best about this story?

The strong female character. I did hate to see her get into the disastrous entanglement with a "bounder."

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He gets the local accents, and characters sound "of the period," but the dialogue is easy for an American to understand.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Gabriel shows such loyalty to Bathsheba and to the proper management of the farm--saving the crops and livestock. I was touched by Fanny's desperate situation.

Any additional comments?

I came to the novel via the new (2015) film which I also recommend. Reading the book rounds out the story. There's the interesting interlude in Bath.

5 persone l'hanno trovata utile

FAR FROM....

I am a Hardy fan, so his writing appeals to me. It seemed to me that this novel had such an abundance of geographical detail as to make it almost equal to the main story. Hardy's descriptions of nature are beautifully wrought with great personal feeling; and almost in contrast, he spends quite a bit of time on the doings and ruminations of the 'lowly' farmworkers.
I felt that in this case, his male portrayals were more interesting than that of the vaunted heroine.
Not as compelling as "Tess," but a good read.
I am also a fan of John Lee and thought his interpretation this time was fine if not outstanding.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

A timeless tale

This is a timeless tale of love, love lost, love sperned, devotion, faithfulness, and community. 1800's or today, the core of this story still rings true. It is narrated by John Lee so in other words expertly.

3 persone l'hanno trovata utile

A wonderful book

A beautifully written book and read perfectly by
John Lee. Of the many, many books I have listened to, this is up at the top (along with The Forsyth Saga).

6 persone l'hanno trovata utile

Excellent use of 19th century English

I very much enjoyed the use of Hardy’s discriminations of rural settings, resolutions and dialect of ancient and lost sentiments of a prior age. I found a reading by a Brit who understands English used by a world of definite social and economic class very enjoyable. I listened to the 1st 3 chapters 3 times.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

Hardy at his best

Hardy's first truly great novel is less grim than some of his later works. Listening to this again, having read it many years ago, I was struck by how much humor is woven into the text: e.g. in the early exchanges between Bathsheba and Gabriel. The novel is beautifully plotted–always one of Hardy's strengths–and excellently read.

1 persona l'ha trovata utile

Great old title!

John Lee is a fabulous voice artist! He imbues every character with a life of its own. Great entertainment!

Marvelous!

A beautiful story narrated by a top notch narrator. Jinn Lee is one of my favorite narrators, and he really brings this story to life.

Thanks Audible for bring this book.

Thanks Audible for bring this book. Narrator has done a great job in narration. Great Book.