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Far from the Madding Crowd cover art

Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker
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Publisher's Summary

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.

What listeners say about Far from the Madding Crowd

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  • 02-07-2023

good book

unfortunately I read this after watching the film, which is so beautifully done, so the book felt alittle underwhelming in comparison. I've no doubt if I'd read it first, it would have impressed me more. but still a great story & characters and wonderful narration

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A long time fan

of Thomas Hardy, Nathaniel Parker has done a brilliant job of taking us into Hardy’s world of humans as we humans are, little changed, despite all , two centuries on .
The, What makes Real Love’, just before the marriage of Gabriel & Basheba , is a corker ✨♥️✨❤️✨

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Gripping story and well read

The voice of the reader and the various subtle characterisations were really joyful to listen to.

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Beautifully narrated.

It was a real treat to listen to Hardy read so beautifully. Of course the story is a little writing makes up for that.

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A true Classic

This story stood the test of time. A true love story with a happy ending.

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Love ❤

loved it I honestly preferred the film latest film but still great read love Thomas Hardy

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Hardy at his best

Loved this reading of a classic English novel. The idyllic English country take and wonder cast of characters- not as depressing as some other Hardy tales.

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Classic

Excellent love story with a wonderful narrator. The setting, pacing and characters are all at the hands of an accomplished storyteller.

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chiefly about a woman in the words of a man

enjoyed the gentle pace, strong sense of place, strong willed heroine. brilliantly voice performance by Nathaniel Parker!

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Good story, remarkably good narration

The story was beautiful if somewhat melodramatic and predictable. Nonetheless, it held enough unpredictability for most of the book for it to maintain some suspense.
The outstanding narration and mastery of voices and accents carried the listener through the mawkish parts and the language was beautiful.

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