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  • Far From the Madding Crowd

  • By: Thomas Hardy
  • Narrated by: Jamie Parker
  • Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,587 ratings)

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Far From the Madding Crowd  By  cover art

Far From the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Jamie Parker
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Publisher's summary

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.

Public Domain (P)2014 Naxos AudioBooks

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What listeners say about Far From the Madding Crowd

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Beautiful Classic, Beautifully Read!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The problem with having a movie adaptation of a great novel is that many people will never read the novel. In the case of this classic, that is a shame. The story, the characters, the natural setting and the action are all presented in beautiful prose that is rarely heard in contemporary writing. This unabridged release, narrated by the tremendously-talented Jamie Parker, is exquisitely "acted", with each character having their own "voice", and every sentence is phrased in a way that captures the ear and feeds the imagination of the listener. I could not be more pleased with an audiobook, and would have given Parker 6 stars if this were an option!

What did you like best about this story?

The prose is beautiful and descriptive and I felt transported to the place and time of the story through the excellent voice acting of Jamie Parker.

Which scene was your favorite?

Sorry, I couldn't possibly choose just one. The crafting of the story is even-handed and exquisite throughout.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I wouldn't. See my initial comment.

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Entertaining

Good story. Glad that the ending didn't let me down. A crucial part of an audiobook is, of course, the narrator, and he did not let me down either.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

new love

One of my favorite novels thus far. I am so happy I chose this book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A favorite!

Fantastic narrator and wonderful story. Beautiful prose, brilliant plot twists, and heart-warming ending. The perfect book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable!

This story of old takes you away to the turn of the century English countryside. The narrator was excellent, bringing all of the characters to life!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good story. Excellent narrator.

I was surprised that this book is both a tragedy as well as a romance. It is altogether enjoyable and fun though I've yet to understand how the title reflects the story, unless it is description of the protagonist.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A classic which I had never read...

So glad I did! I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Thomas Hardy wrote beautifully and descriptively, but somehow with just the right amount of words. The narrator was exceptional!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic

It was interesting hearing a historical novel written during the actually time period. To them it was a modern tale. So glad I took the time to read this. I never did when I was younger, nor did I see the movie. Glad I have now.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Challenging accents

This is a great story but I had trouble understanding some of the dialogue because of thick accents used by the narrator.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fantastic performance!

Great performance by the reader, his voice and interpretation of the text felt very genuine and truly made the story come alive. I loved it.

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