I think many people would find reading the actual book a little dry, but the dramatisation on this audiobook brought the story to life and I couldn't wait for my next free time to listen in.
The whole result was charming.

One of my earliest Audible purchases and still among the most memorable. I often return to dip into the novels again. A beautiful production catching the humour, drama and poignancy of Thackery. The quality of the acting is superb and an excellent way to enter the span of this classic sequence. Do not hesitate to enjoy this production whether you are already a lover of the major nineteenth century novels or a newcomer to this world.

I read "The Warden" many years ago and was captivated with the charming writing of Anthony Trollope. I have listened to it this afternoon and cannot wait to enjoy the rest of the Chronicles. As a full-time carer, I don't have enough time to indulge in my favourite hobby of reading, but I can clean the house as I listen to these stories unfolding from a world which is long gone, but where the characters are so alive that they could be in my own living room with me. This is a truly wonderful dramatisation and not to be missed!

I hadn't read any Trollope for many years, and then I think I gave up Barchester Towers half way through. After hearing this dramatisation I looked at the books again, and it confirmed my impression that the style is too plain to sustain the average modern reader through such complex (and sometimes repetitive) plots. But this dramatisation was compulsive listening - often very funny (plenty of laugh out loud moments) and often quite moving. I even found myself starting to feel sorry for Mrs Proudie when she was dying - a tribute to the superb character acting - though this sentimental aberration was soon corrected by Archdeacon Grantley's response to the news of her death. If I have a criticism it is that Bishop Proudie was too pathetic and under her control from the start; I couldn't imagine him ever being elected to any position of authority, and he is a rather stronger character in the books. But this is a small blemish on a delightful mixture of satire and sentiment which brilliantly conveys Trollope's ability to create characters who are both of their time and universally relevant: you recognise many people you know today in these stories, despite their very different social circumstances.

My 14 year old son and I have been listening to this on our rather long journey to school. We have both enjoyed it very much. Trollope's characters are wonderful; from noble through comic to downright loathesome! These tales are romantic without being sentimental and they are a gently satirical snapshot of British society during a period of transition.

... it ain't - marvelously produced and played the 'Mild' intrigues surrounding the Cathedral and diocese of Barchester never fail to amuse and involve.
Long (exceedingly) but never boring if you are looking for a bargain to spend your credit on here it awaits - enjoy

Regards Paul

It's just wonderful to slip into the world of Barchester and escape from the 21st century for a while. This recording is really superb, with excellent voices, and I thoroughly recommend it to all Trollope fans.

This dramatisation of all the Barchester novels perfectly captures the spirit and feel of these wonderful books. Every character has been brilliantly cast and they bring the books to life exactly as one might imagine them.

The stories begin with the Warden, the gentle Mr Harding who is forced from his comfortable job by the criticism of the national press, superbly played by Alec McCowen. They continue in the Cathedral Close in Barchester Towers, which pits the overbearing Bishop's wife, Mrs Proudie (Rosemary Leach), against the Archdeacon (Stephen Moore). They then cover stories across the whole of Barsetshire, from a hunting parson, the son of a spendthrift squire, to a jilted girl, before returning, in the Last Chronicle of Barset, to the Cathedral Close with the story of the wronged perpetual curate of Hogglestock.

Many of the themes seem remarkably current in today's world and Trollope's gentle satire and insight into the human condition underlies this classic dramatisation.

I was spellbound. So many tantalisingly familiar voices unfold these interlinking stories. I know this will be one of those precious Audible downloads that I will return to time and again.

I love Trollope's books and got this even though I already have the chronicles as a regular book. I walk my dogs while listening to audio books and this length was perfect for long walks in Bavaria during our recent holiday. The dramatisation version is great and just under 19 hours went by real fast.