Jude the Obscure cover art

Jude the Obscure

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Jude the Obscure

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
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About this listen

When the great Thomas Hardy published this heart-wrenching novel, he had no idea it would be his last. But the book stirred so much controversy and protest, Hardy vowed to never write fiction again. Jude the Obscure tells the story of a stonemason, tricked into a loveless marriage, who craves a formal education and a finer existence. Separated from his wife, Jude begins a new life with his cousin, and the couple defies social convention at every turn.

Public Domain (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC Action & Adventure Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Political Marriage

Editorial reviews

This is why you listen, or why you should: Because a good performance is more than an easy way to "read" a book. And a great performance enhances the original, no matter how great (or not) it may be. Jenny Sterlin animates Hardy's characters without calling attention to herself - that is without raising thoughts of "here's a woman trying to sound like a man." She encourages continued listening when continued reading might be difficult; for example, when Sue and Jude are at their most exasperating. Sterlin's performance is recommended to all listeners - not just fans of Hardy or classic British literature. After all, this is why you listen. Or why you should.
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So extremely insightful and forward thinking of Hardy but, literary merits aside, I couldn't abide Sue as a character. Drove me nuts. But why she drive me nuts would be why so many others love her. Very well narrated and was effortless to listen and appreciate (aside from Sue's antics). Not my favourite Hardy novel, but overall glad to have listened to it.

Sue drives me nuts!

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