Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: John Lee

Length: 13 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's Summary

Gabriel Oak is only one of three suitors for the hand of the beautiful and spirited Bathsheba Everdene. He must compete with the dashing young soldier Sergeant Troy and the respectable, middle-aged Farmer Boldwood. And while their fates depend upon the choice Bathsheba makes, she discovers the terrible consequences of an inconstant heart.

Far from the Madding Crowd was the first of Hardy's novels to give the name Wessex to the landscape of southwest England and the first to gain him widespread popularity as a novelist. Set against the backdrop of the unchanging natural cycle of the year, the story both upholds and questions rural values with a startlingly modern sensibility.

Public Domain (P)2008 Tantor

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.

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).

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.

Bla ba bla bla bla

Holy cow just tell the freaking story. Way too much fluff.

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.

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.

Richly layered. Beautifully read.

Another great Hardy book. I appreciated the side characters, and the landscape especially. Main characters a little predictable, but even so, so beautifully rendered I didn’t mind. A very captivating listen and not as heart-wrenching as some Hardy books. John Lee superb.

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.

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.

so good

I really didn't put much expectation into this book. I am wowed. what a beautiful story. It had just enough description of the world around the Characters without being long, drawn out and overwhelming. Enough drama to keep me interested. A wonderful ending.

A must for Thomas Hardy followers!!

John Lee, as ever, delivers a wondrous narration in which one loses oneself in time and becomes one of the participants in the story. I listen to this for hours transfixed by the coming-to-life of all the characters. Well done!!!

Favourite classic, well read.

Second novel I've listened to narrated by John Lee, and find him very easy to listen to.

a question of taste (isn't it always?)

Thomas Hardy stands apart among 19th century classic novel writers. The setting, the overall atmosphere and the writing style feel more modern than what you'd expect. That said, this might be a little dour for some, but it's a good story.

With this recording, I find the narrator fails to sufficiently differentiate the voices of the characters and I find him generally too monotone in his reading, though some of his rural England accents are good.

I love this book

I am very familiar with this book and found it the relaxing listen that I was looking for.

However, I wish the narrator hadn't given the impression that he was galloping through it.

And, although he didn't labour acting the voices, Gabriel's in particular having an excellent nuance, he simply couldn't capture Bathsheba (even though other female characters appeared to be unproblematic). But Bathsheba was presented with an insipid air, which certainly doesn't match her character.

Altogether, these niggles aside, it was a pleasant listen.

excellently read !

An excellently read glimpse into rural life in the mid 19th century.

Friends Unrequited

Many people carry Thomas Hardy?s works around like an old friend ? and when times are tough and the world looks a difficult place, the perfect relaxation is to travel back to Wessex and rediscover what real woes and worries are all about. Sheep that take ill, unrequited love, the self willed female in a traditionalist world, position and power in opposition to life and vitality. It is all here ? and the reader can quicky immerse themselves in a world that always stays the same but seems to adapt to speak to us in words that echo our contemporary concerns. Take time out, travel backwards, relax and enjoy ? Hardy?s is a rich endowment in a contemporary world of diminishing returns.