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Tess of the D'Urbervilles

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Tess of the D'Urbervilles

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Anne-Marie Duff
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About this listen

When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and to 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.

Thomas Hardy’s timeless masterpiece is brought to life in this new recording by Anne-Marie Duff (Shameless, His Dark Materials).

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 novels of all time.

Public Domain (P)2020 Audible, Ltd Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Small Town & Rural Victorian Heartfelt

Behind the scenes

Anne-Marie Duff on narrating Tess.
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The narration was one of the best I've heard. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. A great classic, highly recommended!

Fantastic!

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This was on my list of important novels to read for so long, and when I finally got round to it I very nearly gave up due to the dated emphasis on geographical details and wanderings into philosophical twaddle.

But dont let this put you off! The performance is incredible and must have been a real challenge/a hoot to fulfill...

Then at first I predicted an obvious tale of romance with a goodie and a baddie, but... but the characters are so deep, the plot is so complex and yet understandable, and compelling to the point of being addictive.

Aside from being frustrated with their impeccable morals which seem ridiculous now, and I'm sure almost disturbing in some respects, it also becomes a really relatable examination of how judgements and morals affect us all, the pernicious influence of the patriarchy and religion, and a sweet observation of nature and love.

Persevere!

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The wonderful, sad, classic novel with a superb performance from Anne-Marie Duff. Highly recommended indeed.

A classic brought to life

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My favourite story of love, tragedy & love brought to life by Anne-Marie Duff.

The characterisation was excellent, the accents authentic bringing the book to life.

Listening to this at 0.9x was the perfect speed. It enriched my imagination and made the experience last longer. Definitely an audible book to keep and listen to again and again.

A beautiful story beautifully read

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Still relevant and thought provoking, and beautifully read. Through this powerful tale, Hardy presents the injustice and heartbreak of the unequal standards of morality and power between man and woman in the family, the workplace, in relationships, marriage, and in the law. Set against the backdrop of the beginnings of industrialisation in farming, the natural world, rural life and it’s pace, are portrayed, along with Tess, as powerful in integrity and beauty yet vulnerable to powers which will inevitably degrade and destroy them.

An extraordinary and insightful story

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