A Pair of Blue Eyes
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5 out of 5 stars
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,336
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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.
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5 out of 5 stars
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The Woodlanders
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- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 186
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 137
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 136
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5 out of 5 stars
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,934
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,799
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,798
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5 out of 5 stars
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Delightful
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Publisher's Summary
Hardy's third novel, A Pair of Blue Eyes, follows the story of Elfride Swancourt. The daughter of the rector of Endelstow, a sparse, sea-swept parish in Cornwall, Elfride is caught between two suitors of very different backgrounds: Stephen Smith, a young architect restoring the old parish church; and the respectable, older man of London society, Henry Knight. The blue-eyed and high-spirited protagonist must untangle the conflicting messages of her heart and her mind.
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What listeners say about A Pair of Blue Eyes
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Molly R.
- 08-14-17
Depressing story & unbelievable central character
Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?
No. While I realize Thomas Hardy is supposed to be one of the great writers, this wasn't my cup of tea. The story centers around an innocent girl who's not very decisive or clever. It's hard to imagine her last lover, an intellectual, really sees anything in common with her. Hardy is a master of the English language, but at times his using 20 words when 5 will do to get the point across, can tax one's patience.
What could Thomas Hardy have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Create a more believable central character.
What about Anna Bentinck’s performance did you like?
Anna's performance was great. I picked the book in part based on her being the narrator.
Could you see A Pair of Blue Eyes being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?
It could be made into a movie I suppose. The leading lady could be Anne Hathaway, with Russell Crowe playing Harry, and Jude Law playing Smith. Elfride's father could be played by Michael Caine.
Any additional comments?
I persevered because of the narrator, but was annoyed with myself for investing that much time to reach a disappointing ending.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- VE
- 06-13-18
Memorable love story
Narrator voices each character with amazing individuality. Hardy’s characters, landscapes and suspenseful plot are brilliant.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Suea
- 12-30-16
What a talent
Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?
Definitely for someone who loves beautiful descriptive writing and development of characters
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Pair of Blue Eyes?
To learn that her father did exactly as he warned his daughter of doing
What about Anna Bentinck’s performance did you like?
She's wonderful with a steady, listenable pace and distinct characterizations
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
As are all of Hardy's books, this was a tradegy. I did cry at the stupid decisions the supposedly educated lover made - even for his time.
Any additional comments?
Hardy's books are gorgeous and meaty and everything I love in a story.