Lorna Doone

By: R. D. Blackmore

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Length: 29 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

First published in 1869, Lorna Doone is the story of John Ridd, a farmer who finds love amid the religious and social turmoil of 17th-century England. He is just a boy when his father is slain by the Doones, a lawless clan inhabiting wild Exmoor on the border of Somerset and Devon. Seized by curiosity and a sense of adventure, he makes his way to the valley of the Doones, where he is discovered by the beautiful Lorna. In time their childish fantasies blossom into mature love - a bond that will inspire John to rescue his beloved from the ravages of a stormy winter, rekindling a conflict with his archrival, Carver Doone, that climaxes in heartrending violence. Beloved for its portrait of star-crossed lovers and its surpassing descriptions of the English countryside, Lorna Doone is R. D. Blackmore's enduring masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2017 Recorded Books

The richness of the narrative description.

it is lengthy but absorbing. The social norms of the day and times are, at times surprising to a modern reader.

Outstanding work!

A very enjoyable listen! I was actually surprised at how engaging this book was. I have listened to many books narrated by Mr. Reynolds and have always loved his narration and frankly he was one of the reasons I chose it. His narration however went beyond any of his other books.

Epic and refreshingly funny.

Some have commented on the narration. I found it to be engaging, adding an element of authenticity to the tale. After a chapter or so, I had no trouble understanding the narrator. I enjoyed the side stories and observations as the tale unwound. John Ridd is a great man, and a good one. While this book is a romance novel, it is a story of masculinity, honor, and self-awareness. The humor is in turn subtle and wry, similar to Mark Twain's. Though long, I never once found myself bored or thinking a section drawn out. This is an enjoyable book for all.

LORNA DOONE

R. D. Blackmore has the most eloquent, descriptive writing of any authors I've read or listened to. This book is one of the best. I was looking for a book narrated by Tim Gerard Reynolds as he is my favorite narrator. The man could read a phone book and I'd listen to it. Favorite series is the Ryria books with Hadrian and Royce written by Michael J. Sullivan. I'm hoping he will listen to his wife and fans and write more.

Excellent narrator

I would never have chosen this book on my own, but that’s what book clubs are for! I’d actually purchased the book and tried to read it but was having trouble getting into it.
Even in audio form it took several chapters to really get me interested, but the quality of the writing was brought to life by this excellent narrator!
Don’t be put off by the length of the run time - rejoice that you’re really getting your money’s worth :)

Excellent!

A wonderful story and an excellent performance by the narrator. Such a challenging novel to get right but it was done so well! Bravo!

A Tale of Action, Strife, Right vs Wrong, Money, Consequences, Communion with Nature, and Very True Love.

I like the story. The most difficult thing for me was listening to the narration as the narrator often would start a sentence with emphasis and end the sentence almost in a whisper. I was continually replaying the last 30 seconds to catch words softly spoken following words spoken more forcibly.

Love this story

I have always loved this story! I'm part Shortly and enjoy stories about and from Scotland.

GREAT story..., but not read by a Scotsman

Great story, loved the writing, will look for more by this author, very engaging and entertaining. The characters are well developed among the protagonists, well portrayed among those he isn't familiar with which makes sense a it is written in the first person.
I previously complained about the narrator's accent, but had the misconception that it should sound more Scottish, which is wrong. the narrator's accent is right on, excellent and well appreciated, will recommend this recording everywhere to everyone, well done!

Narration is mumbled and unintelligible

The novel is great, of course, but after 3 chapters I had to return this version and purchase another. The narrator constantly trails off the sentences so that the second half of the sentence is inaudible. It makes it impossible to follow the story. Raise the volume and all you get is a too-loud opening, still followed by a quick mumble.