Far From the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Jamie Parker

Length: 14 hrs and 52 mins

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.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

Public Domain (P)2014 Naxos AudioBooks

A Classic

If you could sum up Far From the Madding Crowd in three words, what would they be?

I had never read Thomas Hardy before taking a course in British Literature from The Teaching Company...that whetted my appetite! Sure, I had seen movies and Masterpiece Theatre presentations and thought they were brilliant...but now that I've read two books, including THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE and FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD, the smartest thing I did was read the books.Thomas Hardy's prose is true poetry. His descriptive passages put you so deeply into the scenery that you can almost smell the grass and feel the breezes! And MADDING CROWD literally will make you count sheep...if you can put the book down long enough to get some rest! It is that intriguing a plot and the characterizations are so true to life that you find yourself reading with a Wessex accent! Our heroine, Bathsheba Everstone, is being courted by three diverse characters...lucky girl? Well...we'll see! The first is Dominick Oak...now there's a name that describes this hardy shepherd to a tee. He's big and sturdy as an oak...and and gentle as one of his flock.Then there is William Boldwood, a mature man who is both wealthy and a bit obsessive! And finally, the dashing Sergeant Francis Troy who arrives with a secret past and one might say, turns life upside down for more than a few folks in this little town of Wetherby.The plot winds and twists and turns and you never quite know where it's going...but it keeps you in suspense and wanting to read "just one more chapter" before turning off the light. In my case, the sun was coming up by the time I wearily put the book down and tried to figure out how to make room in my day to pick it up again!Compare Hardy's writing to most of our modern day authors and they will not make the cut. This is poetry in the disguise of prose! And much easier to digest too!I will continue on my study of Thomas Hardy, such a bonus for taking this Teaching Company course! My intention is to read everything by Hardy that I can find. Now I wish I knew a way to get more of you good people of Goodreads to join me!
The narration by Jamie Parker was brilliant! All those dialects; all those characters...faultless! 1 like ·

Enjoyed it.

The narrator did a fabulous job with his voices, especially enjoyed the voice of pious Joseph.

I like Thomas Hardy and the flaws and strengths he creates in his characters.

Good summer escape reading.

In the Deep Country

I had read Tess of the D'urbervilles many years ago, and had always wanted to tackle this one. It is long, but the story is so well plotted and paced, and the imagery of the English countryside was so vivid I felt I was there with Bathsheba every step of the way. A dramatic love story set in the deep country, all of the characters are tied to the rhythms of the natural world almost as much as they are to each other. This old fashioned way of life, romantic and brutal, went under the wheels of the industrial revolution long ago. We would all do well to remember it. Jamie Parker is a wonderful narrator, a perfect match with Hardy.

Brilliant reading

One of the most inspired readings I’ve ever listened to. I look forward to listening to more of Jamie Parker’s work.

An incredible book

I'm on a quest to read books I read in high school but didn't understand. Far From the Madding Crowd is a real gem. The narrator, Jamie Parker, is wonderful and presents this book with great skill and intelligence. The book is overflowing with sexual tension and the awkward business of love and relationships between men and one woman. It's a great listen and now I know why I read it in high school and why my teacher never mentioned what it is really about. (Catholic HS in the 60's)

FABULOUS NARRATION!

If you are wondering which version of “Far From the Madding Crowd” to purchase, look no further. This narration by Jamie Parker is perfect. It’s beyond perfect. And of course the story is a timeless classic. Thomas Hardy is a storyteller second to none. You will love this!

I was hesitant, I was wrong

I confess that I was intimidated by Hardy, wrongly believing that this novel would be boring and humorless. Instead, it was funny, profound, and action packed. I am in awe of the writing and ideas. 10/10.

Complete delight!

Complex, surprisingly humorous, extremely well read, satisfying. Sad to come to the end. Highly recommend

Top Praise to Thomas Hardy & Jamie Parker

There aren’t enough stars to note my high praise of this reading performance —not to mention the wonderful writing from Thomas Hardy. Excellent reading with absolutely top-level performance of voicing each character. Jamie Parker read the book so truly & compellingly that I’m sure even Thomas Hardy himself would feel upstaged.

How wonderful is Hardy

Each Hardy novel amazes with its astonishing prose and prescient morality tales. He is one of the original feminists, creating powerful women who break social barriers. Such a one is Bathsheba in this grand debut. And what gorgeous language! Always le mot juste. There is such tension and unlike the darker later novels a happy ending.