Tess of the D'Urbervilles

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Peter Firth

Length: 14 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

When John Durbeyfield discovers a family connection to the ancient Norman family, the D'Urbervilles, the fate of daughter Tess is transformed.

Sent by her ambitious parents to visit her wealthy D'Urberville cousins, Tess attracts the attention of the unscrupulous Alec. Seduced and discarded by him and alone in the world, she finds work as a milkmaid and the love of Angel Clare. Yet his love cannot accept the truth about Tess's past.

Considered Hardy's masterwork it presents a major departure from conventional Victorian fiction, causing controversy and mixed reviews on first publication due to it challenging Victorian sexual morals. The work was subtitled 'A Pure Woman Faithfully Presented' as Hardy felt that its heroine was a virtuous victim of a rigid Victorian moral code.

Hardy considered it his finest book and due to his enlightened and forward thinking, the story has captivated audiences since it was first released.

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

Narrator Biography

Having started his career as a leading child actor, Peter Firth received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Peter Shaffer's play Equus (1973) at only 21. He later starred with Richard Burton in its film adaption earning him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. His other film work has included roles in Pearl Harbor (2001) and The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005). He is best known for his role as Sir Harry Pearce in the BBC show Spooks (2002-2011) appearing in every episode of the show's 10 series. Recent roles have included Jacob Marley in the BBC's Dickensian series (2015) and Ernest Augustus in ITV's drama series Victoria (2016). He has narrated several audiobooks and starred in Audible's multicast drama Amok.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Loved it.

I felt bad for poor tess, punished for being naive and so I'll prepared for life yet made to endure such a hard one.

A tearful love story

This story was about a young lady’s struggles in life and love. This poor soul had so bear so many hardships. I would recommend this story to any romantic who doesn’t mind the suffering along the way.

Wonderful narrator

Heartbreaking story beautifully narrated. I will see out more by Hardy & narrated by Firth. I consumed this story in a single weekend. I might even listen again after getting through Hardy’s other books.

Beautifully Written Classic

A classic piece of English Literature giving a glimpse of the Victorian social expectations on young women and the societal struggles of the day. Gorgeous use of language.

Ripples of either holding or releasing a grudge

Well written and artistically read, this book illustrates in story form the ever-enlarging circles of refusing to forgive a wrong. The beautiful contrast is seen in Tess.

Wow!

Spent many hours commuting yelling at this book! Excellent narration! Unexpected story! What an interesting window into another time!

Poor Tess

Women have been treated poorly since the beginning of time. Tess never caught a break…or maybe she did but her self esteem was so low she could never take advantage.

Excellent

I had heard so much about this book that I finally just decided to listen. I had no idea it was going to be so captivating. Tragic life, love and death. A tear jerker for me.

Hardy intruded too much

Hardy had issues with the church and with common morality, preferring that men and women were allowed to be as animals in their behavior. I wonder what he would think of today’s hypersexuality. The fate of Tess was sad. The book was sad. The men were flawed. Still, the reading was good and the story moved along. Not for reading when you need a smile.

Superb Narrator

This masterpiece was especially compelling thanks to the excellent narrator, who perfectly captured the character's speech. Stunning and evocative performance.