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  • Jude the Obscure

  • Penguin English Library
  • By: Thomas Hardy
  • Narrated by: Samuel West
  • Length: 6 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (21 ratings)
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Jude the Obscure

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Samuel West
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Summary

Penguin Classics presents Thomas Hardy’s Jude the Obscure, adapted for audio and available as a digital download as part of the Penguin English Library series. Read by Samuel West.

As you got older...you were seized with a sort of shuddering, he perceived. All around you there seemed to be something glaring, garish, rattling, and the noises and glares hit upon the little cell called your life, and shook it, and scorched it. If he could only prevent himself growing up! He did not want to be a man.

Jude Fawley, the stonemason excluded not by his wits but by poverty from the world of Christminster privilege, finds fulfilment in his relationship with Sue Bridehead. Both have left earlier marriages. Ironically, when tragedy tests their union it is Sue, the modern emancipated woman, who proves unequal to the challenge. Hardy’s fearless exploration of sexual and social relationships and his prophetic critique of marriage scandalised the late Victorian establishment and marked the end of his career as a novelist.

Part of a series of vintage recordings taken from the Penguin Archives. Affordable, collectable, quality productions - perfect for on-the-go listening.

©2012 Thomas Hardy (P)2012 Penguin Audio

What listeners say about Jude the Obscure

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A reading worthy of Hardy's gravitas

Samuel West reads the tragedy with calm fluency. The novel itself is captivating as it captures the everyday living of Jude's tragic life.

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One of my favorites

Phenomenal story & narration! However, the Abridgement doesn’t do the book justice. Get the full audiobook instead. You’ll do yourself a favor.

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Miserable dirge

I do not recommend this tedious story. The author never misses an opportunity to depress you. That's the second one of Hardy's heroes I've read, that dies of the common cold. 🤧

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Samuel West made for Hardy

This isn't my favourite Thomas Hardy story but Samuel West makes it come alive. this audio book is abridged but the heart of the book is intact.

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Jude the Obscure

There is no happiness in this tale, bleak with no hope. Love, betrayal, lies and stupidity.

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