Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: John Lee

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

Great old title!

John Lee is a fabulous voice artist! He imbues every character with a life of its own. Great entertainment!

Delightful

What a wonderful and well-written story. Lots of humor, good insight into the way people are. The narrator is superb, reading the voices so convincingly and naturally. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would.

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.

Wonderful Story

I absolutely love this book. John Lee does a wonderful job narrating it. I could listen to this story all the time!

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.