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The Woodlanders

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The Woodlanders

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Samuel West
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About this listen

 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.(P)2014 Audible, Inc. Classics Fiction Historical Fiction Romance Heartfelt Tear-jerking Emotionally Gripping

Critic reviews

"The foremost novelist of his time." (Geoffrey Harvey, The Complete Critical Guide to Thomas Hardy)
All stars
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A brilliant and beautiful classic, expertly narrated. Samuel West gets top marks; his voicing of the many diverse characters, from the rustic workers to the delicate tones of Grace Melbury was outstanding. Give yourself a treat and visit this lost world.

A masterpiece, perfectly presented

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My favourite audiobook, poetic and beautiful. Perfect narration. I can understand why Thomas Hardy felt it was his favourite story.

Highly recommended.

Excelllent

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Fantastic narration by Samuel West that entirely compliments Hardy's rich writing. George Melbury's daughter Grace is promised in marriage to Giles Winterbourne, a timber merchant who is f devoted to her. Giles is adored by Marty South, a young girl when she learns of Giles's betrothal she cuts off her hair to sell. Grace has been sent to finishing school and is refined. Her father decides she is too good for Giles and Grace is guided to socially superior Edred Fitzpiers. And from off we go.

Samuel West &Thomas Hardy is are perfect together

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Samuel West's narration of this story was sensitive and credible, bringing the characters to life and carrying the winding plot to its conclusion. Wonderful writing by Hardy, with intriguing storyline and a mix of heroic, frail and hapless characters. Thoroughly recommend this reading of The Woodlanders.

Exceptional performance

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Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. I find it difficult to read Thomas Hardy's books because of the dialects but in an audiobook expertly read, as by Samuel West, it's a joy. Great characters and story. I was immersed in the surroundings brilliantly conjured by Hardy. The author's craft is testament to the breadth and variety of the English language.

Excellent in every way

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