The Mayor of Casterbridge (version 2)

Classic Hardy

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

Anything that can go wrong does go wrong... but we all know what to expect from Thomas Hardy. A great book and this version is very well read.

Thomas Hardy has two hands

(3 stars)

Macmyworld

Though well written, I wonder about the completion of the themes herein divulged, and the depiction of justice as is customary in other works of Hardy's. Nevertheless, it is a sobering tale, one of his most sombre. With this work, it has become clear to me that Hardy writes with two hands. When his focus is on male characters, he does strike a more heedful balance between drama and stolidness, the recklessness of the male character being burnished with more pride than it may deserve, cementing what the reader might have perceived as virtue as infallible vice. This, compared with the hysterical way he flings about his female characters when he does focus on them in other works, curiously, makes me forgive him. If ye give men their pride, then make them fall hard at vice, shall ye then be shunned for the virtue of the hysteria thine women art so wrought to evoke? I was keen to stop reading his books as I do not like women being depicted as hysterical, but after this, my goodness, how I prefer his other hand!

Incredible Characters

(5 stars)

Light

Henchard's character is one of the most realistic portrayals I've ever seen of a human being in literature that I've read. His thoughts and behaviours are frequently very different from how he was just a bit ago but you will never feel like even one of his actions is unreasonable or incomprehensible given his character. His mind and character are so perfectly painted by the Author; furthermore I'd like to mentions how vibrantly Hardy paints Casterbridge itself! After reaching the end of the story, sitting and thinking about it really doesn't feel like you're trying to remember a story you just read but rather a experience you once had. Truly wonderful

Moving and Well-read

(5 stars)

Bookaholizz

I've been a Hardy fan for several years, and this novel is truly the bee's knees. It's a poignant tale with lively and occasionally comical intermezzos. You'd feel the tension and see the pain coming, but as the plot is so gripping, you may actually begin to enjoy the agony (disclaimer: I'm an English major with slightly masochistic tendencies). Of course, the relish is heightened by Bruce Pirie's exceptional reading, in part due to his deep, sonorous voice that hypnotised me. 11/10 would recommend this classic :) Have a beautiful day!

Well read

(4.5 stars)

Hospitable Georgian

Well read. I had watched the 2003 A&E movie version with Ciaran Hines. I wanted to know the rest of the story details that had been left out of the movie. Alas, I was much disappointed. The movie is almost word-for-word the book. This was my first Thomas Hardy. I've learned a bit about him as a writer. I've learned what he likes to leave out.... is a lot of what a woman wants to know!! ;)

(4 stars)

Slow And Wordy But Enjoyable

Good story, told slowly and in incredible detail. *Extremely wordy* so beware if you are not familiar with Hardy. People say that the ending is grim but it depends on how you look at the sentiment he is expressing. Quite a stoic notion-- appreciate the small things, and the people in your life.

depressing story well read

(3 stars)

jaded_grl

a very long story that has moments of happiness and a few twists in story line - but overall it is a very depressing story! i even found myself frustrated at the characters behavior and line of thought. but it was an amazing reader, great job.

My first Thomas Hardy

(5 stars)

Len Shingler

What a revelation, the storylines, the descriptive writing bound together by an excellent reading brings to life a novel that is hard to stop listening to. This is my first ever Hardy novel, it certainly will not be my last!