Far from the Madding Crowd

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Nathaniel Parker

Exclusively from Audible

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 rather than hire a manager. Attracted to this bold young woman are three very different 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. Serving to unsettle and complicate her life, the three contrasting men show the many facets of love. But Bathsheba's indecision and inability to commit leads to some disastrous consequences.

The first of Hardy's works set in Wessex (south-west England), Far from the Madding Crowd presents evocative descriptions of rural life and landscapes.

Thomas Hardy was an English writer and poet in the Romantic era who was greatly influenced by Charles Dickens and William Wordsworth.

Narrator Biography

Screen and stage actor Nathaniel Parker, trained with LAMDA before becoming a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. On stage, he has co-starred alongside actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Dame Helen Mirren. In 2014 he played King Henry VIII in Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies for the Royal Shakespeare Company. This earned him an Olivier Award for the London production and a Tony Award nomination when the show moved on to Broadway.

On screen, Nathaniel Parker is widely known for starring in period dramas but is best known for playing Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley (2001-2007). Most recently he has appeared in the TV series Of Kings and Prophets (2016), and The Outcast (2015). Over the years he has lent his voice to a large number of classic and contemporary audiobooks including John Wyndham’s The Midwich Cuckoos in 2016.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Wonderful story, expertly performed!

This is a gorgeous and classic love story, full of twists and turns and memorable characters. Harry's descriptions of people are almost Wodehousian in their hilariousness, and Nathaniel Parker voices them perfectly. Highly recommend this audiobook. I will definitely be listening to it again.

Masterful storytelling

Hardy is brilliant - the details and insight into human nature. The narration is fantastic too with incredible accents and characterisation that brings Wessex to life.

A charming, funny, and satisfying romance

I loved Hardy’s character portraits and physical comedy (pouring liquor into a perfectly circular mouth…). He portrays people and scenes vividly, with striking color and metaphor. Hearing the sword scene in the fern bower, time seemed to slow and I was dazzled with irresistible imagery, seeing every flash with my own eyes. I think I actually held my breath. I appreciate Bathsheba’s character growth from a vain, independent girl to a strong and steady woman, and I’m glad Hardy had her keep her independence and self-knowledge throughout. There’s a funny mix of patriarchy and progressiveness in this book. Bathsheba reads like a full and real woman existing in a cloud of insistent sexism from all directions, including from the author. Still, she’s treated with dignity by those she works with and by the man she befriends and finally loves.

Wow.

The narration is fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. The story is so, so good. I've had this book on my mental want-to-read list for honestly decades, and it did not disappoint. A great experience. I absolutely loved it.

Excellent

A classic book that all others strive for and fall short. Well with your time.

Unexpectedly captivating

It’s a skillful writer who can draw you in and keep your investment while describing character choices that you disagree with! I love the conflict and arc of this story. There are so many surprisingly insightful passages about the nature of women from Thomas Hardy (though to be honest, a few I rolled my eyes at as well. To be expected).
I cannot say enough good things about Nathaniel Parker. Absolutely masterful. His character voices are so distinct, you recognize the “speaker” immediately without need for identification. Just wonderful. Thank you so much.

Enjoyed the book, loved the movie

Great book, loved that the reader has an accent. I’ll definitely keep this book and listen again

Loved this book

Story read beautifully, written marvelously, and characters intriguing. Longer length than some books, but went by in a breeze. Can’t wait for try another Thomas Hardy. Absolutely loved this book!

Fantastic

A better book than expected based on reviews. The narrator does a good job with the exception of the female voices.

Rewarding read

Took me back to my college English classes reading the classics. I enjoyed it and was a little bored by turns. The story was really rather startling in some respects and kept me going through the slower parts. And really, it's hard to see how Oak put up with all Bathsheba's nonsense through the years but he was devoted. I'm glad I read it but I do hesitate to commit to reading any more Thomas Hardy in future. It was more work than I'd like to admit.