Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker

Exclusively from Audible

Hardy's first major literary success, here brought to life by narrator Nathaniel Parker, is the story of the independent and spirited Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits her uncle's farm, the largest estate in the area. She surprises the villagers of Weatherbury by deciding to run it herself rather than hire a manager. Attracted to this bold young woman are three very different suitors all vying for her affections. They include the lonely gentleman-farmer Boldwood, the young and handsome but inconsiderate Sergeant Troy and the faithful shepherd Gabriel Oak. Serving to unsettle and complicate her life, the three contrasting men show the many facets of love. But Bathsheba's indecision and inability to commit leads to some disastrous consequences.

The first of Hardy's works set in Wessex (south-west England), Far from the Madding Crowd presents evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes.

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

Narrator Biography

Screen and stage actor Nathaniel Parker, trained with LAMDA before becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. On stage, he has co-starred alongside actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Dame Helen Mirren. In 2014 he played King Henry VIII in Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies for the Royal Shakespeare Company. This earned him an Olivier Award for the London production and a Tony Award nomination when the show moved on to Broadway.

On screen, Nathaniel Parker is widely known for starring in period dramas but is best known for playing Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (2001-2007). Most recently he has appeared in the TV series Of Kings and Prophets (2016), and The Outcast (2015). Over the years he has lent his voice to a large number of classic and contemporary audiobooks including John Wyndham’s The Midwich Cuckoos in 2016.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Nathaniel Parker is PERFECT as narrator

Would you listen to Far From The Madding Crowd again? Why?

yes. The writing of Hardy is worth second third and fourth looks. Beautiful descriptions and keen observations of the human condition, with just the right balance of humor and pathos.

What did you like best about this story?

Nathaniel Parker's narration; Thomas Hardy's exquisite descriptions, observations and character development.

Which character – as performed by Nathaniel Parker – was your favorite?

Gabriel Oak

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes, hard to put down, but it is a long book, and it needed to "breathe" as the story went on.

Any additional comments?

It will be hard to top anything that Nathaniel Parker narrates. He did an excellent job. Only wish there were more books available narrated by him!

Really enjoyable

Nathaniel Parker is amazing. My goodness, what else has he recorded for Audible? Sign me up.

EXCELLENT, and the movie was too!

when i saw the movie trailer for this book, i decided to listen to it since books are always so much better than movies, and there's always missing details that make movie-watching even harder. (hello, harry potter series) this seemed to be the best narration by looking at the reviews, and i must say, it was top notch!

the story is sweet and simple, yet complex given the time in which it took place. bathsheba everdene has no money and then a rich uncle dies, leaving her his farm in which she ends up running--on her own. there's several men who're interested in her as their wife, but she will have none of that, because she considers herself to be too strong-willed and too difficult to tame. excellent stuff!

this is one i'll be listening to again, it's just so well-written. i felt like i was right there, a fly on the wall. worth a credit, no doubt. -laurie eller, the kentucky bluegrass

PS: the movie did this novel justice, keeping pretty close to the story line, which was surprising. the characters in the book were given faces by the movie, which seldom happens so beautifully. watch it. good stuff.

Great narration, enjoyable story.

The story combined with the excellent narration made this audio book a great listen. The story reminded me of Wuthering Heights. Anyway, I recommend.

Fantastic!

I loved this book! The story is a beautiful interpretation of love in all its many masks, obsession, impetuous infatuation, true dedication and stalwartness. It speaks to the reality of finding, losing, waiting for and wondering about what love really is and how to navigate it, all while trying to become your own person.
Nathaniel Parker does a wonderful job with the narration, each character being their own without being over dramatic about it.
I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a believable romance told in well written prose by a masterful author.