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  • The Woodlanders

  • By: Thomas Hardy
  • Narrated by: Samuel West
  • Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (668 ratings)

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The Woodlanders

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: Samuel West
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Summary

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.
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Critic reviews

"The foremost novelist of his time." (Geoffrey Harvey, The Complete Critical Guide to Thomas Hardy)

What listeners say about The Woodlanders

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Profile Image for viv

Wonderful

I love Thomas Hardy but had never read this one. I thought it may not be as well written as his later ones but it is just as evocative and beautifully expressed as any other. The story, though typical, is perhaps slightly less convoluted than some ? But never fear there is still plenty of coincidence and misunderstanding! Excellently narrated.

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Profile Image for dr helen

A beautiful book

This book was beautifully written and beautifully read. The narrator was excellent. The description of lives lived in the 1800’s and woodland management give extra depth.

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Profile Image for Martyn Casserly

Enjoyable

Very gentle and enjoyable. Lovely to listen to and do the ironing. x x x

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Profile Image for Julie Bennett

Very enjoyable

This was a thoroughly enjoyable tale, with some excellent twists and turns. The narrator was just right in tone.

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Profile Image for stroof

Such good narration!

I’m a Thomas Hardy fan and this doesn’t disappoint; beautifully drawn characters enduring the twists and turns of rural life in times gone by. Hardy knows how to tug on the heart strings and the narrator is perfect. A joy to listen to.

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Profile Image for Ian Hardaker

Wonderful

This is reputed to be Hardy's favourite of his own novels. It certainly is one of his best. Quite brilliant to be honest and superbly read by Samuel West. Highly recommended

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Brilliant!!

A lovely read. Wonderful characters and very well narrated. Will definitely read another one from Thomas Hardy.

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Profile Image for LD

Excelllent

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

Highly recommended.

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Profile Image for mary ibison

All the treasures of a Hardy setting and characters.

I felt so drawn into the lives of the Woodlanders that I had to ration my listening so as to make the story not come to an end too quickly.
Compared to some of his other novels, Hardy seems to steer the outcomes for each individual in the story to one of rescue and even redemption. I must admit that from early in the novel I was expecting a more bleak ending to unfold. Nonetheless it was a thrilling and so well read, listen.
This is my first audible experience and probably going to prove a difficult one to follow both in quality of story and narrator.

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Perfect Hardy

I've read a lot of Hardy in the past, but had never tried this one - I think it's my favourite. Great reading too.

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