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Jude The Obscure
- Narrated by: Stephen Thorne
- Length: 15 hrs and 21 mins
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Jude The Obscure
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Summary
Exclusively from Audible
Eager to escape the confines of his lower-class upbringing, Jude Fawley dreams of pursuing higher education, graduating from university and becoming a scholar. Slowly, we witness the resistance Jude is met with and, in keeping with Hardy's other works, the consequences of having dared to defy a society with long-held traditions.
Thomas Hardy's last novel, Jude the Obscure, offers scathing commentary and insight into 19th century England. Widely considered Hardy's boldest and most avant-garde work, it was first published in serialised form, sending weekly shockwaves of outrage to its Victorian audiences. Despite being an able and driven young man, Jude's potential is squandered and his aspirations quashed when he relents and becomes a stonemason. Grounded by an unhappy marriage and a lack of opportunity, Jude's only escape comes in the form of his beloved cousin, Sue Bridehead. An unconventional yet extraordinary heroine, Sue becomes Jude's only chance at happiness, but in a society so unwilling to accept change, their love becomes their undoing.
One of the most influential and prolific novelists and poets of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Thomas Hardy followed the naturalist movement and was greatly inspired by the works of Charles Dickens and William Wordsworth. In turn, his work enthused the likes of Robert Frost, W.H. Auden and Philip Larkin.
Narrator Biography
Stephen Thorne is a classically-trained radio, film, stage and television actor. He graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and has toured with The Old Vic Company and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His voice experience is extensive and he is credited with over 2000 radio broadcasts and 300 unabridged audiobooks. These include works by James Henry, Dick King-Smith, Arthur Conan-Doyle and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Stephen famously voiced the character of Aslan in the 1979 adaptation of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. His unique narration style has won him various awards in both the UK and the USA, including a Talkies Award and several Golden Earphones Awards from Audiofile Magazine.
Stephen is no stranger to the screen and his television roles include Z-Cars, Death of an Expert Witness, David Copperfield, Crossroads, Last of the Summer Wine and Doctor Who. He also appeared in the 1984 film, Runaway and the 1985 film, Lollipop Dragon: The Great Christmas Race.
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What listeners say about Jude The Obscure
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Mrs. C. A. Goulding
- 18-03-21
Not my favourite Hardy
Beautifully read with lots of feeling and emotion. Not my favourite Thomas Hardy I have to say, a tad too morose for my taste. The numerous Latin phrases, though in keeping with the general mood of the book, had me flummoxed and I found them self indulgent by the author. Nevertheless I stuck with it until the end and in the main enjoyed it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- J. M. Wiggett
- 30-03-21
Enthralling ...
This was a Hardy novel I’d surprisingly not read before.
It received shocking reviews after publication, claiming it to be obscene and immoral.
You can understand why considering it’s day.
This tale would easily translate current times, although wouldn’t be considered shocking in these times.
It is well narrated and enthralling to the end.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Shona Thompson
- 05-01-24
Brilliantly read
It took a while to get into the story, but I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. The characters were all brilliantly portrayed by the reader.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Hes
- 04-10-21
Beautiful
I love Thomas Hardy, this book took me a while to get into but I really enjoyed it.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- F. Wynn
- 27-07-15
A Harrowing Tale
The novel was beautifully read . A multilayered tale of thwarted idealism and the tragic consequences thereof.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- CATRIONA SYME
- 21-03-21
The narration brings Harry's novel to life.
Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Had never read this one before so was not expecting it to be as tragic. Hardy was very forward thinking on religion and the availability of education to all.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jacki
- 18-05-20
Haunting
Beautifully written and narrated story. Haunting in its tragic love story and reflection of society. Brought me to tears
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- HappyDevonian
- 09-09-20
Amazing
Anything by TH was going to be good but this was absolutely captivating. Ahead if it's time in many ways and heartbreakibg too. An absolute pleasure to listen to and a book that will stay with you afterwards.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Eileen
- 26-02-23
Enchanting tale
I loved this storyline. The narrator added depth to the prose and I confess to foregoing sleep to hear more. A story indeed!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- xavier woodward
- 18-07-23
Exceptional
Best book I’ve ever listened to. Touching and heartfelt and a thoughtful examination of marriage, religion, freedom and life.
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