Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

Hardy's first major literary success, here brought to life by narrator Nathaniel Parker, is the story of the independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits her uncle's farm, the largest estate in the area. She surprises the villagers of Weatherbury by deciding to run it herself rather than hire a manager. Attracted to this bold young woman are three very different suitors all vying for her affections. They include the lonely gentleman-farmer Boldwood, the young and handsome but inconsiderate Sergeant Troy and the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak. Serving to unsettle and complicate her life, the three contrasting men show the many facets of love. But Bathsheba's indecision and inability to commit leads to some disastrous consequences.

The first of Hardy's works set in Wessex (south-west England), Far from the Madding Crowd presents evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes.

Thomas Hardy was an English writer and poet in the Romantic era who was greatly influenced by Charles Dickens and William Wordsworth.

Narrator Biography

Screen and stage actor Nathaniel Parker, trained with LAMDA before becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. On stage, he has co-starred alongside actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Dame Helen Mirren. In 2014 he played King Henry VIII in Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies for the Royal Shakespeare Company. This earned him an Olivier Award for the London production and a Tony Award nomination when the show moved on to Broadway.

On screen, Nathaniel Parker is widely known for starring in period dramas but is best known for playing Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (2001-2007). Most recently he has appeared in the TV series Of Kings and Prophets (2016), and The Outcast (2015). Over the years he has lent his voice to a large number of classic and contemporary audiobooks including John Wyndham’s The Midwich Cuckoos in 2016.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

A beautiful and moving Hardy classic

One of the best novels I believe I have ever read. Nicely performed in a rich voice with a British accent.

Poignant!!!

As a mature woman I was mesmerized this time around. So much more depth and meaning than I gleaned in high school. I hated for it to end and I am not a romantic. Beautiful thought filled literature on top of an excellent story. Performed in very appropriate voice(s). Just loved it. Great change from the now trivial detective novels I've been listening too. Enjoyed the syntax and vocabulary, too.

I saved this book for walks when I could concentrate

The language is exquisite. The two paragraphs to describe an architectural gargoyle, for example, are memorable.

Nathaniel Parker commands a range of voices in the league of Jim Dale of Harry Potter fame.

Love's Labors Lost

This rendition of Thomas Hardy's classic tale of youth's folly and love's woes adds layers to the simple lives and concerns of these farm folk. Full of herself Bathsheba toys with the affections of shepherd and farmer until she's swept away by the pretty words and sly playboy moves of a flashy soldier. Her choices result in a series of consequences that only maturity and experience can help.

Excellent narration

I enjoyed this old English story. The narrator did an excellent job with the accent and voices of each character; brought me right into the countryside.

A many-layered love story

This is a tale of true love: one man- passionate and faithful, but willing to wait for his beloved- is finally rewarded when she realizes he is what she’s been searching for her whole life.

Outstanding reading by Nathaniel Parker

Excellent timing, expression of individual characters, nuanced interactions, through sensitive insight by Parker. Magnificently read!

Wonderful Classic Beautifully Narrated

Despite the 19th century view of women, I have been a fan of this book for 50 years. I’ve read it several times and watched the film version as well. What a delight to discover it on Audible, with such a perfect narrator. It was a great listen!

a great read

Any additional comments?

This book was superbly narrated, beautifully written and I loved the story. I was sad when it ended. I would recommend this book highly.

Just great

Classic story, Shakespearean in scope. Thoroughly enjoyable and memorable in every way. Sends the reader through a plethora of emotions. Thankfully ends on a heartwarming and uplifting note. A love story for the ages.