A Laodicean Audiobook By Thomas Hardy cover art

A Laodicean

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A Laodicean

By: Thomas Hardy
Narrated by: David Beed
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"A Laodicean" (1881) is a novel by Thomas Hardy. Paula Power inherits a medieval castle from her industrialist father who bought it from the aristocratic De Stancy family. She employs two architects, a local, and a newly qualified from London: George Somerset, who represents modernity. Captain De Stancy, an impoverished scion of the family represents a dream of medieval nobility. Paula is attracted to both men. Somerset leaves believing Paula and the Captain have been married. Paula finds him and they marry.

The castle burns down and Somerset proposes to build a modern house instead. Paula proves to be "a Laodicean" (indifferent or half-hearted): "I wish my castle wasn't burnt; and I wish you were a De Stancy!" The usage of "Laodicean" comes from a reference in the Bible: "I know your life; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. If only you were either cold or hot! But now, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

©2019 Audioliterature (P)2019 Audioliterature Historical Fiction Heartfelt
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This is a wonderful story, vintage Hardy, but the recording is poor at times. Still, it is worth it.

Little known Hardy

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Story was as always very good. The quality of the audio was terrible. Several sections sounded as though they were recorded at the bottom of a well. So bad that several sections were impossible to discern the narration.

Terrible audio

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