Download New Releases Full Audiobooks in Classics, British Literature

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Title: Charles Dickens: The BBC Radio Drama Collection: Volume One

Subtitle: Classic Drama from the BBC Radio Archive

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Alex Jennings, full cast, Pam Ferris

Format: Original Recording

Length: 18 hrs and 8 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-01-15

Publisher: BBC Worldwide Ltd.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 27 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Powerful full-cast radio dramatisations of four of Charles Dickens' most famous novels.

Charles Dickens is one of the most renowned novelists of all time, and this first volume of the dramatised canon of his work includes four of his best loved stories.

The Pickwick Papers. Mr Samuel Pickwick, founder of the Pickwick Club, forms a Corresponding Society for members to report back about their travels. So begins the chronicle of their hilariously comic journeys.

Oliver Twist. Born and brought up in the workhouse, orphan Oliver escapes to London - only to fall into the hands of the notorious Fagin and his gang of child pickpockets.

Nicholas Nickleby. Left penniless after his father's death, 19-year-old Nicholas Nickleby takes a teaching position at Dotheboys Hall, where the brutal Wackford Squeers presides.

The Old Curiosity Shop. Pretty, innocent Little Nell's childhood is shattered when evil moneylender Quilp discovers her grandfather is in debt. The duo are forced to leave their curiosity shop and go on the run....

With an all-star cast including Pam Ferris, Tim McInnerny, Alex Jennings, Anna Massey, Ken Campbell, Tom Baker, Julia McKenzie and Sandi Toksvig, these BBC radio adaptations bring out all the humour, romance, pathos and tragedy of Dickens' four classic masterpieces.

Members Reviews:

Terrific

Where does Charles Dickens: The BBC Radio Drama Collection: Volume One rank among all the audiobooks youve listened to so far?

Wonderfully written and apparently by the hand of a highly skilled, writer. People, myself, often forget that Dickens was actually, a very funny man. :)

What was one of the most memorable moments of Charles Dickens: The BBC Radio Drama Collection: Volume One?

The fumbling, clueless, rich and retired old men trying to agree and execute a plan to "change the world!

What does the narrators bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

The correct atmosphere.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoy it, so would rather devote two hours per night to listen and enjoy with a hot cup of tea, lit fireplace and soft, clean pajamas and slippers. It's a wonderful way to end a day and get ready for bed.

C Dickenson

I was disappointed with this collection. I found the stories difficult to follow due to a lot of background noise which made it hard to hear what the characters were saying. However, I am impressed by the BBC collections over all. Please keep it up!

fantastic

loved it, it was nice to revisit Charles Dickens's classics dramatised brilliantly by the BBC

well performed

well performed radio plays but utterly spoilt by listing the cast at the end of every episode. Why oh why couldn't the cast listing be edited out between episodes. 10 episode play resulted in the cast being listed NINETEEN times (beginning and end of every episode

Charles Dickens Characters Come Alive !

If you could sum up Charles Dickens: The BBC Radio Drama Collection: Volume One in three words, what would they be?

Perfect Entertainment

What did you like best about this story?

These productions are true to Charles Dickens how he intended his works to be performed.

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Title: Daniel Deronda

Author: George Eliot

Narrator: Juliet Stevenson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 36 hrs and 3 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-25-15

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 162 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Meeting by chance at a gambling hall in Europe, the separate lives of Daniel Deronda and Gwendolen Harleth are immediately intertwined. Daniel, an Englishman of uncertain parentage, becomes Gwendolyn's redeemer as she finds herself drawn to his spiritual and altruistic nature after a loveless marriage. But Daniel's path was already set when he rescued a young Jewess from suicide.

Daniel Deronda, George Eliot's final novel, is a remarkable work, encompassing themes of religion, imperialism and gender within its broad and fascinating scope.

Members Reviews:

Give it a try!

After listening to Juliet Stevenson read Middlemarch, I was longing for something more from both Eliot and Stevenson. Happily, I found this novel. The story itself is not quite as tidy as Middlemarch, but that might make me like it all the more.

I hope miss Stevenson will find it in her heart to read "Mill on the Floss" next. For myself and countless others, she has provided a new window into the classics.

Juliet Stevenson is amazing

What did you love best about Daniel Deronda?

I love Middlemarch and this story has same wit and many of the same themes. Plus Juliet Stevenson is an amazing reader; I have listened to many books just because she reads them. I feel grateful that she does this work!

Thank God that's over.

George Eliot is wonderful, and Juliet Stevenson is superb, but this novel really is the most preachy, self-righteous thing that ever taxed my perseverance. And I know she meant it to be positive to Jews (read up on the terrible conditions of Jews in England in the 18th and 19th centuries) but George was a product of her time and so some of her observations, naturally, reek of anti-Semitism in and of themselves.

The reader Juliet Stevenson, Grandcourt's first conversation with Gwendolyn, and my love for Middlemarch were the only reasons I kept listening.

Two barely connected plots, one much more original

Daniel Deronda, the hero of the book is an interesting character with an interesting history. Through this character, Eliot explores the position of Jews in England and Europe at the time the story takes place, as well as the long history of persecution. She depicts the common bigotry and anti-Semitism in that period. She is to be applauded for this - most 19th century literature, when relating to Jews, relates to them as negative stereotypes. Eliot has plenty of that type of expression, but it comes across as a depiction of how people behaved towards Jews and thought about them, but not what she (or her hero) considers to be the truth. I was impressed with her fairly accurate (considering the genre, the time, the fact that Eliot is not Jewish) depiction of Jewish customs, the synagogue, and some quotations from literature, and was curious and learned that she did study religions other than her own, which is quite commendable. There are those people who thought that this story should be separated from the Gwendolyn Harleth story, and I can truly see their point. The Gwendolyn Harleth story is nothing unusual - the angst of snobby upper-class women, whether they still have their fortune or have lost it, is material for many novels, and becomes wearying.

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Title: Persuasion

Author: Jane Austen

Narrator: Greta Scacchi

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-15

Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 123 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In Persuasion, Austen's last novel, she reveals a tale of love and marriage told with irony, insight, and an evaluation of human conduct. The characters, Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot, have met and separated years before. A reunion forces the recognition of the false values that drove them apart.

Members Reviews:

wonderful performance

What did you love best about Persuasion?

What is not to like about Jane Austin?

What about Greta Scacchis performance did you like?

Because of some of the early wording, this is a bit tough to read but Greta Scacchi does it expertly.

Enjoyable listen

Have read Persuasion more than a few times, but as a Jane Austen fan, it was time for me to read again. Thought I would listen instead, if I could find a reader I thought I could enjoy. Greta Scacchi did a wonderful job. She understands Persuasion and how to read Jane.

Great narration

Ive tried to read this before without success and after reading reading reviews of this version chose it and loved it thanks to the great narrating

unexpected delight

I had to read this book for school and was, quite honestly, not really looking forward to reading Austen. However, this audiovook experience was quite delightful! I will most certainly be listening to more Austen in audio book form!

Fantastic narration

This reading of this book is extremely well done. A fantastic performance. A definite must listen!

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Title: A Tale of Two Cities

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Jim Donaldson

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 19 mins

Language: English

Release date: 07-17-15

Publisher: Trout Lake Media

Ratings: 3.5 of 5 out of 252 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

With well over 200 million copies sold, this novel ranks among the most famous works in the history of fictional literature. It depicts the plight of the French peasantry demoralized by the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and many unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same time period.

Members Reviews:

Audio Chapters 41 and 42

Would you try another book from Charles Dickens and/or Jim Donaldson?

I would probably read Charles Dickens again as he is a good author, however Jim Donaldson probably not.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I would make the first book in the novel (there are 3 books in "A Tale of Two Cities") a bit more exciting to the reader as to capture their interest sooner.

What did you like about the performance? What did you dislike?

Donaldson tries to change his voice for every character but you can't do it all I am sorry to say and it did nothing to help with the mania of words. Also the paraphrasing, rewording, and changing the structure of sentences in paragraphs made it hard to follow in the actual book. I could even go as far as to say butchering Dickens work a bit in my opinion.

Was A Tale of Two Cities worth the listening time?

Not exactly but I had to read it for a class, and it is only worth listening and reading if you make it to the end... that's when things get really exciting!

Any additional comments?

Your audio chapter 41 and 42 were both Book 3, Chapter 12. I was highly displeased with this and had to obtain a book for a time in order to read chapter 11.

Excellent story - poor audio

Excellent story but audio was very poor. So heavy with bass that even turning the bass all the way down I still had to turn the volume up quite high in order to make the words out clearly. Slogged through but really a shame it wasn't better.

Audio made in the dark ages

This book wasnt for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I couldn't listen to more than 2 chapters as the audio was so garbled and ancient, I couldn't understand a word! This version should be deleted from Audible.

What didnt you like about Jim Donaldsons performance?

Who knows, I couldn't understand him?

Any additional comments?

Don't buy this version!

can't understand what the narrator is saying. I on

I only got As far as chapter 4. It was very difficult to listen to because I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. All sounded like a lot of mumble

Good but narrator needs help

The narrators natural voice is calming and easy to listen to. But every time he changed his voice for a new character it sounds like a 90 year old man. No matter if it's a man, woman or child. It makes listening to this story very annoying.

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Title: Lord Jim

Author: Joseph Conrad

Narrator: Ric Jerrom

Format: Unabridged

Length: 15 hrs and 34 mins

Language: English

Release date: 02-27-15

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 20 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Jim, the first mate aboard a small steamer named the Patna, travels from port to port in the Pacific Ocean. When the ship hits floating wreckage, Jim and the crew are forced to abandon it, leaving hundreds of ethnic travelers onboard. However, Jim's reprehensible actions are soon discovered by the court, and he is compelled to face his guilt and redeem himself - a journey that leads him to a remote exotic location where he is revered as the Lord, "Tuan Jim".

Through beautifully evocative descriptions and ponderous philosophical prose, Conrad delivers a powerful novel about one man's struggle to reconcile who he would like to be with who he actually is.

Members Reviews:

Wow! This Blew My Mind.

This was yet another incredible story written in breathtaking prose by Joseph Conrad and masterfully narrated by Ric Jerrom. This one hit me hard because Conrad is so brilliant in his description of the characters and what they felt and thought about themselves and about others that you can't help but feel and think like Jim observing himself (as you observe yourself) and then switch roles and think and feel like, say, Marlow (yes, the same Marlow from The Heart of Darkness) judging Jim. You get to know these characters quickly and then gradually become them, seeing everything from their point of view. The superb narration by Ric Jerrom only facilitated this process. Too bad that this, as far as I know, is the only book of Conrad that he has narrated.

As for the story and what it is about ... well, you can read the Audible blurb for that which, in my opinion, says too much. Suffice it to say that this is a story of self-discovery, judgment and redemption, as one sees himself and as others see him.

This was a GREAT experience.

Extravagant wording from another age.

Give me Kipling. This book is one long pomposity of self importance. It is worth at least a partial hearing if for no other reason then as a peep hole into the other side of Kipling's world. "Plain Tails From The Hills" is timeless.

Nursery School Narrator

Would you try another book written by Joseph Conrad or narrated by Ric Jerrom?

Unfortunately, Conrad's masterpiece is ruined by a narrator enunciating every word as if he is a primary school teacher reading to a class of infants on the rug at the end of the day. He over emphasises words and adds a cheery spin to far too many, totally out of keeping with the serious, thoughtful narrator Marlowe. Be warned - a superb novel ruined by absurdly glib narration.

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Title: The Razor's Edge

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Narrator: Michael Page

Format: Unabridged

Length: 11 hrs and 6 mins

Language: English

Release date: 01-07-15

Publisher: The Classic Collection

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 183 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

A compelling novel of self-discovery and the search for meaning from the author of The Painted Veil.

The Great War changed everything and everyone, and Larry Darrell is no exception. Though his physical wounds from the war heal, his spirit is changed almost beyond recognition. He leaves his betrothed, the beautiful and devoted Isabel; studies philosophy and religion in Paris; lives as a monk, and witnesses the exotic hardships of Spanish life. All of life that he can find - from an Indian Ashrama to labor in a coal mine - becomes Larry's spiritual experiment as he spurns the comfort and privilege of the Roaring 20s.

This novel is part of Brilliance Audio's extensive Classic Collection, bringing you timeless masterpieces that you and your family are sure to love.

Members Reviews:

Good ol Larry.

Good character study. An in depth look at several different personalities and what they represent. Entertaining and well written. However, each character seems to lack dimension. For instance, Larry seems near perfect. Isabelle is skin deep. Grey is kind but simple. Real folks are a tad more complicated. Often times just one human could take on all the traits mentioned above. For the purpose of telling the story however, it works fine. I'd recommend it.

Brilliant and easy to read

I enjoyed listening to this book. Both the story and the performance are brilliant. Lovely experience.

An Classic of Love and the Desire for Meaning

I watched the movie a few months ago and decide to listen to the classic book by Somerset Maugham. I found the performance to be excellent and the story to be tragic yet well written. All of the characters in the Razor's Edge are searching for something and in the end they all achieve their desired end (the author's words not mine). This is not an exceptionally happy novel because most of the characters aren't sympathetic heroes or heroines. However, while most of the characters search for something to make them happy, Larry is probably the only one that truly finds happiness. This is a great novel for those who believe that there might be something to life other than work or accumulating lots of stuff. And, in the case of Larry this novel shows the traumatic effects of war and how it can affect people deeply.

awesome story by a great author.

great book, and great narration. a pleasure to listen to. lots of good philosophy as well.

Wonderful Vintage Read

So enjoyed visiting this book again! Enjoyed both movies as well. An American's search for meaning.

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Title: A Christmas Carol: The Unabridged Classic Narrated by Chandler Craig

Author: Charles Dickens

Narrator: Chandler Craig

Format: Unabridged

Length: 2 hrs and 54 mins

Language: English

Release date: 12-22-14

Publisher: Skylark Publishing Company

Ratings: 5 of 5 out of 274 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

An illuminating reading of the greatest Christmas classic ever written: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Narrated by Chandler Craig.

Members Reviews:

A true classic treated perfectly

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

Yes! There are few better stories in English literature, and the opportunity to hear the entire story as originally written without edits, embellishments, or other "enhancements" is priceless.

What other book might you compare A Christmas Carol: The Unabridged Classic Narrated by Chandler Craig to and why?

I haven't listened to many audio books, but grew up on CBS Radio MysteryTheatre. I lived for each new episode. The power of a skilled actor to keep us enthralled with only their voice is a lost art. Mr. Craig goes far in reviving and keeping that art alive.

What does Chandler Craig bring to the story that you wouldnt experience if you just read the book?

An obviously gifted character actor with vocal mastery, Mr. Craig peoples this wonderful story with a marvelous cast of characters perfectly interpreted.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A Christmas Carol - as it was meant to be told!

Any additional comments?

This makes my Christmas!

Perfect for the Christmas season!

What did you love best about A Christmas Carol: The Unabridged Classic Narrated by Chandler Craig?

The narrator takes you into the world of Dickens and Scrooge with his perfect intonation and interpretation. The reader's mind can visualize the characters and "see" the story play out through through the richness of the narrator's voice...an absolute delight to listen to!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Scrooge's nephew. He never gives up on his uncle, and always trusts in Scrooge's hidden goodness.

Any additional comments?

You won't be disappointed with this lovely narration of a classic Christmas tale!

A Christmas Carol

I have seen many of the movies that represent this story for many years: however, I have never read or listened to the actual story. I highly recommend people read or listen to it. It is what Christmas is all about.

Excellent Work

Would you consider the audio edition of A Christmas Carol: The Unabridged Classic Narrated by Chandler Craig to be better than the print version?

Yes, definitely.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Scrooge, to see the evolution of his character.

What about Chandler Craigs performance did you like?

The power and emotion in his voice

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Essence of Christmas

great performance

Great performance by narrator. He really brought a timeless classic to life. I highly recommend this audible selection.

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Title: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Author: Victor Hugo

Narrator: Bill Homewood

Format: Unabridged

Length: 22 hrs and 35 mins

Language: English

Release date: 09-09-14

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 181 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In the grotesque bell-ringer Quasimodo, Victor Hugo created one of the most vivid characters in classic fiction. Quasimodo's doomed love for the beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda is an example of the traditional love theme of beauty and the beast. Yet, set against the massive background of Notre Dame de Paris and interwoven with the sacred and secular life of medieval France, it takes on a larger perspective. The characters come to life: the poet, Gringoire; the tormented priest, Claude Frollo; the fun-loving captain, Phoebus; and, above all, Quasimodo and Esmeralda themselves. It is a tale peppered with humor but fueled by the anguish that unfolds beneath the bells of the great cathedral of Paris.

Members Reviews:

More than I bargained for...

Hugo's level of detail and backstory development are more than I am used to. The story is extremely detailed and exquisitely presented. It was well worth the time, and I am glad it did the audiobook version because the printed book would have been more difficult to get through.

Great classic.

Not having read this book in school, I did not know what to expect. The story started out a bit slow, with a lot of establishment, but became intensely interesting. The narration was fantastic and carried the story along. The narrator's accents and inflections were perfect and a pleasure to listen to. This was the second book I have listened to narrated by Bill Homewood (the other was The Count of Monte Cristo) and he is wonderful at the French accent and giving each of the characters their own voice. Now that I have listened to The Hunchback of Notre Dame I am interested in the theater production. Thank you for for an excellent audiobook.

Tragic story, touching

The story is tragic, interesting, many touching moments, some particularly evocative passages. But I can't rave. I listened to an audio version of Les Miserables and that book is so superb that I had hoped I would find gThe Hunchback somewhere "up there", though I knew and did not expect another book so awesome as that. But, alas, this book, though good, is not in the same league. The reader, however, was superb.

Much Love, with Caveats

I'll be honest. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Historical fiction is rarely anywhere near my wheelhouse, but when its a revered classicor, like the Aubrey/Maturin series, so historically accurate that it almost is historyI make an exception. And Im glad I did. One of our iconic stories is now safely ensconced in my mental arsenal. And I no longer have to look puzzled when friends refer to me as Quasimodo. I now know what they mean.

But as much as I enjoyed the storywith two exceptions well get to laterthere was something that bugged me throughout the telling. I couldnt put my finger on it so I started perusing critical essays online. And I found this:

Hugo was determined to trace current social and political problems back to their medieval roots, and to achieve the maximum effect he must carefully embed his tale within a painstaking reconstruction of medieval Paris, its buildings and its public.

(From: Medievalism and Modernity in Victor Hugos Hunchback of Notre Dame, Alex J. Novikoff, Rhodes College)

Thats the nub. Every author should have a point of view; but Hugo has an agenda. Whether he was right to trace every social ill to the Middle Ages is neither here nor there.

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Title: Anne of the Island

Author: L. M. Montgomery

Narrator: Colleen Winton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Language: English

Release date: 06-04-14

Publisher: Post Hypnotic Press Inc.

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 197 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

Anne of the Island was published in 1915, seven years after the best-selling Anne of Green Gables, partly because of the continuing clamor for more Anne from her fans - a fan base that continues to grow today!

In this continuation of the story of Anne Shirley, Anne leaves Green Gables and her work as a teacher in Avonlea to pursue her original dream (which she gave up in Anne of Green Gables) of taking further education at Redmond College in Nova Scotia. Gilbert Blythe and Charlie Sloane enroll as well, as does Anne's friend from Queen's Academy, Priscilla Grant. During her first week of school, Anne befriends Philippa Gordon, a beautiful girl whose frivolous ways charm her. Philippa (Phil for short) also happens to be from Anne's birthplace of Bolingbroke, Nova Scotia. Anne, always the good scholar, studies hard, but she also has many life lessons. This book sees Anne leave behind girlhood to blossom into a mature young woman.

Members Reviews:

Wonderful series of books!

I have enjoyed reading the series of books as a younger adult and now I am enjoying listening to them in my middle-age. In terms of narrator I thought that Colleen Winton was wonderful, it was nice to hear a Canadian accent for a very classic Canadian work of literature. well done!

Super!!!!!!!

This audio book was more than very much enjoyable. I laughed, I cried, and most importantly, I smiled. This book is all and more than what I hoped for Anne when she was older. It is filled with twists and turns! Anne is officially my favourite heroine. The narration was pretty good. It was filled with expression and made the story enjoyable. That is why I rated it the way I did. (L. M. Montgomery ROCKS!!) ;)

Kindred Spirits will love this Audio books

This reader captures Anne's spirit and voice and is versatile enough create unique audio personalities for all of Lucy's beloved characters. I lost myself in Kingsport, Bolingbrook and best of all, Avonlea. This book was truly enjoyable and with a cry-worthy ending.

Good story and performance

While I liked Mary Sarah's portrayals of the characters better this was a good performance. There is one glitch in the editing as well. I am not as pleased with the plot and path of the story as I was the first two but I did enjoy it.

Loved this book

At first, it was hard getting used to listening to Colleen Winton. After listening to Anne of Green Gable's read by Rachel McAdams. But after a few chapters I adjusted and really liked Colleen Winton's voice throughout the book. I loved the first book and this one was just as good, if not better.

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Title: Far From the Madding Crowd

Author: Thomas Hardy

Narrator: Jamie Parker

Format: Unabridged

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

Language: English

Release date: 05-27-14

Publisher: Naxos AudioBooks

Ratings: 4.5 of 5 out of 889 votes

Genres: Classics, British Literature

Publisher's Summary:

In a remote corner of early Victorian England, where traditional practices remain untouched by time, Bathsheba Everdene stands out as a beacon of female independence and self-reliance. However, when confronted with three suitors, among them the dashing Sergeant Troy, she shows a reckless capriciousness that threatens the stability of the whole community. Published in 1874, and an immediate best seller, Far From the Madding Crowd established Thomas Hardy as one of Britain's foremost novelists.

Members Reviews:

Country tales and voices.

It more than exceeded my expectations. Jamie Parker does the Wessex rustic voices brilliantly. I would happily listen to him reading any books.

I love Hardy's tales.

A Beautiful Classic, Beautifully Read!

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

The problem with having a movie adaptation of a great novel is that many people will never read the novel. In the case of this classic, that is a shame. The story, the characters, the natural setting and the action are all presented in beautiful prose that is rarely heard in contemporary writing. This unabridged release, narrated by the tremendously-talented Jamie Parker, is exquisitely "acted", with each character having their own "voice", and every sentence is phrased in a way that captures the ear and feeds the imagination of the listener. I could not be more pleased with an audiobook, and would have given Parker 6 stars if this were an option!

What did you like best about this story?

The prose is beautiful and descriptive and I felt transported to the place and time of the story through the excellent voice acting of Jamie Parker.

Which scene was your favorite?

Sorry, I couldn't possibly choose just one. The crafting of the story is even-handed and exquisite throughout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I wouldn't. See my initial comment.

Charming book, charming reader

This book is so charming. Hardy is a bit long-winded sometimes but in such a beautiful, clever way that it's hardly minded. How I wish I could find more treasures like this that I haven't yet read. Why don't writers care about the sound of the words and the way they are put together anymore? Why can't writers caress the English language like they once did?

This reader is superb, as well. So much personality and so much difference in voices and accents between the different characters. And he just... he gets it.

Lovely all around!

Exceptional

Loved this book from the first word to the last one! It goes on my short list of all time favorites books.

Excellent narrator and great performance of a really great book.

This is a fantastic book by Hardy. The characters and the story is so captivating that I had several driveway moment when listening to it. Jamie Parker is one of the best narrators that there it is. His voice and accents are so rich that it enlivens the book even further. Truly it is a pleasure to listen to him.