Showing results for "thomas hardy" in Romance

Set in the Dorset landscape familiar to Hardy novels, The Woodlanders concerns the fortunes of Giles Winterborne, whose love for the well-do-do Grace Melbury is challenged by the arrival of a dashing and dissolute doctor, Edred Fitzpiers. When the mysterious Mrs Charmond further complicates the romantic entanglements, marital choice and class mobility become inextricably linked.

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. Attracted to this bold young woman are three 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.

Opportunistic, shrewd and beautiful, Ethelberta resolves to disguise her humble beginnings and elevate her position in society. Crafting her career as a society poet and staging her family as her servants, she proves admirably adept at sustaining her own web of deceit as she reinvents herself and navigates the attentions of four different suitors. The wealthiest is not the one she loves... what will she do? This is a light-hearted urban tale, offering a different side of Thomas Hardy.

One of Thomas Hardy's classic statements about modern love, courtship, and marriage, The Return of the Native is set in the pastoral village of Egdon Heath. The fiery Eustacia Vye, wishing only for passionate love, believes that her escape from Egdon lies in her marriage to Clym Yeobright, the returning "native", home from Paris and discontented with his work there.

Tess of the d’Urbervilles is a complex and impactful novel by Thomas Hardy. The novel follows the life of Tess, the eldest child of a family who believes they have a small claim to royalty because of their family name. When misfortune hits the family, Tess takes it upon herself to seek out a wealthier relative and ask for money, but instead is taken into the service of a libertine, who takes advantage of her situation and youth. 

When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her 'cousin' Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future. With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, Tess of the D'Urbervilles is one of the most moving and poetic of Hardy's novels.  

"Two On A Tower", a novel by Thomas Hardy, tells the story of an astronomical artist, Lady Constantine, and her love affair with a young astronomer. This tale of love, sacrifice and societal constraints is brought to life in the audiobook, accompanied by beautiful descriptions of the celestial world.

Sexually innocent Jude Fawley is trapped into marriage by seductive Arabella Donn, but their union is an unhappy one and Arabella leaves him. Jude's welcome freedom allows him to pursue his obsession with his pretty cousin Sue Bridehead, a brilliant, charismatic free-thinker who would be his ideal soul-mate if not for her aversion to physical love. When Jude and Sue decide to lead their lives outside marriage they bring down on themselves all the force of a repressive society.

"In The Woodlanders" by Thomas Hardy, a young woman's romantic entanglements with three men in a rural English village raise questions about social class, desire, and the constraints of Victorian society. Listeners will be swept away by the vivid descriptions of the natural world and the complex emotional struggles of the characters.

Thomas Hardy brings us an England that once existed but no more. It is rural, traditional, pastoral - a society of mannered conduct that flows like a deep river where powerful currents eddy and swirl. In this powerful novel of love and disillusion, Hardy's heroine is torn between the three men in her life. Passionate but capricious, her romantic involvements have fascinated generations of readers.

Lonely Viviette Constantine awaits the return of her husband from a hunting expedition to Africa. She becomes involved with a young astronomer, Swithin St.Cleeve, who observes the night sky from a disused tower on her estate. Despite their differing ages and social backgrounds they soon find their destinies linked - but with fateful consequences.

> Far from the Madding Crowd is perhaps the most pastoral of Hardy's Wessex novels. It tells the story of the young farmer Gabriel Oak and his love for and pursuit of the elusive Bathsheba Everdene, whose wayward nature leads her to both tragedy and true love. It tells of the dashing Sergeant Troy whose rakish philosophy of life was "...The past was yesterday; never, the day after." And lastly, of the introverted and reclusive gentleman farmer, Mr Boldwood.

"A Group of Noble Dames" is a collection of short stories by Thomas Hardy, exploring the lives and loves of noble women in England during the 19th century. From a tragic love triangle to a woman's secret past, each tale is filled with passion, drama, and unexpected twists. The audiobook brings to life Hardy's vivid characters and atmospheric settings, drawing listeners into a world of privilege, scandal, and intrigue.

Experience the tragic tale of a young woman's struggle against societal norms and fate in 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' audiobook, narrated with emotive depth and vivid imagery. Follow Tess' journey through love, betrayal, and redemption in this masterpiece of Victorian literature.

"A Laodicean" by Thomas Hardy is a captivating romance novel that follows the story of Paula Power, a wealthy heiress torn between her duty to marry for financial stability and her desire to follow her heart. As she navigates through the obstacles of love, social status and personal growth, Paula discovers the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment. This audiobook is filled with vivid descriptions of the Victorian era, complex characters and unexpected plot twists that will keep you engaged until the very end.

"The Well-Beloved" is a beautifully crafted novel by Thomas Hardy, exploring the complexities of love and desire. Set in the scenic Isle of Slingers, it tells the story of a sculptor, Jocelyn Pierston, and his obsessive search for his perfect muse, who he calls his "well-beloved". As he searches for this elusive figure, he faces a series of trials and tribulations, each leading him closer to his ultimate desire. This poignant and lyrical tale is a must-read for any lover of classic literature.

Immerse yourself in the rural charm and romance of Wessex as you listen to 'Under the Greenwood Tree', a delightful tale of love, music, and community. Thomas Hardy's vivid descriptions of country life and his tender portrayal of the budding romance between the young schoolmistress Fancy Day and the handsome church musician Dick Dewy will captivate your heart and transport you to another time and place. With its lively cast of characters, humorous anecdotes, and beautiful melodies, this audiobook is a true gem of English literature.

In "The Hand of Ethelberta", Thomas Hardy explores the complexities of love and class in Victorian England through the story of a young woman who rises from being a governess to marrying into the aristocracy. With his signature wit and insight, Hardy delves into themes of social mobility, gender roles, and the power of love to transcend societal expectations. The audiobook brings this delightful tale to life, immersing the listener in the richly detailed world of 19th-century England.

In "The Mayor of Casterbridge", Thomas Hardy tells the gripping story of Michael Henchard, a man who, after selling his wife and daughter, rises from poverty to become the wealthy and respected mayor of his town. But when his past comes back to haunt him, he is forced to confront the consequences of his actions. This classic tale of redemption and tragedy is sure to captivate listeners with its rich characters and powerful themes.

In this collection of short stories, Thomas Hardy explores the lives of the people of Wessex, a fictional region in England. Through tales of love, loss, and tragedy, Hardy portrays the struggles and complexities of human relationships in rural Victorian England. With vivid descriptions and engaging characters, Wessex Tales is a must-listen for fans of classic literature.