Showing results by author "Thomas Hardy" in All Categories

In a moment of reckless abandon fueled by alcohol, Michael Henchard makes the shocking decision to sell his wife and infant daughter to the highest bidder at a local fair. Haunted by his actions, he vows to give up drinking and rebuild his life. Eighteen years later, just as he has achieved success and become the esteemed Mayor of Casterbridge, fate intervenes when his wife and daughter return, forcing him to confront the past and the choices that shaped his destiny. - Summary by Alisson Veldhuis

In a moment of frustration and intoxication, a wayward farm-worker makes a life-altering decision by selling his wife and child to a stranger. This marks the beginning of The Mayor of Casterbridge, a poignant tale set against the backdrop of rural England in the mid-1800s. Hardy referred to this narrative as the story of a man of character, and the protagonist, Michael Henchard, stands out as one of the most compelling figures in English literature. Henchards complex personality and his tragic flaws mirror the essence of a Greek or Shakespearean hero—his fierce determination matched only by ...

Dive into the enchanting world of Under the Greenwood Tree, subtitled The Mellstock Quire A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. This charming novel centers around Dick Dewy, a young man smitten with the new schoolmistress, Fancy Day. As we follow their budding romance, we also witness the tension between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the progressive local vicar, Parson Maybold, who introduces a church organ that challenges age-old customs. Set against the backdrop of the Victorian era, Hardy paints a vivid picture of a community grappling with change and the impact of technology ...

In Two On A Tower, we delve into the poignant tale of two star-crossed lovers the youthful amateur astronomer Swithin St. Cleeve and the disenchanted Viviette Constantine, a woman several years his senior, trapped in an unfulfilling marriage. Each night, Swithin ascends the ancient tower nestled within the grounds of the Constantine estate, where Lady Constantine joins him in his celestial pursuits. As she encourages his astronomical dreams by providing him with the necessary equipment, their bond deepens, leading to a series of unexpected twists and turns. This beautifully woven narrative ...

In Return of the Native, Clym Yeobright makes a poignant return to Egdon Heath, a remote collection of homes nestled in the haunting beauty of the Wessex moors. Here, he becomes entangled in a complex web of love that includes his cousin, Thomasin Yeobright; the enigmatic innkeeper, Damon Wildeve; the passionate and controversial Eustacia Vye; and the mysterious reddleman, Diggory Venn, whose skin bears the marks of his trade. This novel is quintessential Thomas Hardy, featuring his signature elements the rugged Wessex landscape, a tangle of romantic interests, a fateful wedding, and a ...

Dive into the fascinating world of our county families, where seemingly dry genealogical charts come to life with rich stories and hidden dramas. With just a hint of tradition and whispers of the past, these pedigrees transform from mere facts into captivating tales full of intrigue and emotion. Most of the stories that follow have been crafted from these once-barren records, revealing the vibrant histories that lie beneath the surface.

Experience the tragic tale of a young woman's struggle against societal norms and fate in 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' audiobook, narrated with emotive depth and vivid imagery. Follow Tess' journey through love, betrayal, and redemption in this masterpiece of Victorian literature.

"A Pair of Blue Eyes" is a compelling tale of love, loss, and regret set in the rugged landscapes of Cornwall. This novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the tragic consequences that arise from the choices we make. With vivid descriptions and unforgettable characters, Thomas Hardy invites the listener on a journey of self-discovery and emotional depth.

Tout en exerçant son métier de maçon, Jude Fawley rêve d'une vie meilleure et s'acharne à acquérir le savoir et la culture. La passion qui naît en lui pour sa cousine Sue, mariée à un maître d'école, va lui faire entrevoir d'autres horizons de bonheur et les conduire tous deux à la perdition.

Jeune paysanne innocente placée dans une famille, Tess est séduite puis abandonnée par Alec d'Urberville, un de ses jeunes maîtres. L'enfant qu'elle met au monde meurt en naissant.

Can desire, that never-ending pursuit of something magical and special - be ever satisfied? This last novel by 19th century realist Thomas Hardy (Tess of the D'Ubervilles, Jude The Obscure, Far From The Madding Crowd) tells the story of the sculptor Jocelyn Pierston's search for the ideal woman, through three generations of a Portland family. One of Hardy's most neglected novels and a precursor to Shaw's Pygmalion, it is a semi-autobiographical tale of an artist pursuing his muse through the forms of many women.

Tess Derbyfield växer upp i fattigdom på en bondgård. Hon är vacker och troskyldig så när hennes pappa skickar iväg henne till den välbärgade släkten d'Urberville anar hon inget ont, trots de lystna blickar hon får av adelsfamiljens son, Alec d'Urberville. Senare i sitt liv tar Tess anställning som mjölkerska och faller då handlöst för den blivande missionären Angel Clare. Tess vill gifta sig med Angel, men det förflutna plågar henne. I originalöversättning av Karin Wenström.

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet whose work is best known for combining the traditions of Romanticism with a realistic portayal of a declining rural society in Victorian England. "The Fiddler of the Reels" tells the story of a love triangle. The enigmatic, brilliant and rakish violin player, Wat Ollamore, who arrives in the small South Wessex village of Mellstock, exercises a diabolical fascination with the young, impressionable Car'line Aspent.

Following a series of misfortunes, Tess Durbeyfield leaves her impoverished family to seek work with her rich relations. Her new employer, Alec d’Urberville, seems charming and kind. Tess has a mind of her own, but she is vulnerable and alone among strangers. Can she trust Alec? A year later Tess meets Angel Clare, and they fall in love. If Angel discovers the truth about Tess’ past, will he still love her?

Sophie lebt als eine Frau der oberen Klasse. Da sie jedoch die Arbeiterklasse geprägt hat, kann sie die Erwartungen und den Standard der Oberklasse nicht erfüllen...

The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886) is a tragic novel by English author Thomas Hardy subtitled, "The Life and Death of a Man of Character". A poor, disgruntled, drunken young man sells his wife and child to the highest bidder. When he awakens, sober, the next day he regrets his rash act and vows to give up drink and find his family and bring them home. Eventually he is forced to give up the search and move on with his life. He does this quite successfully until, nearly 20 years later, his past comes back to haunt him.View our full collection of podcasts & audiobooks at our website: https://...

"A Group of Noble Dames" is a collection of short stories by Thomas Hardy, exploring the lives and loves of noble women in England during the 19th century. From a tragic love triangle to a woman's secret past, each tale is filled with passion, drama, and unexpected twists. The audiobook brings to life Hardy's vivid characters and atmospheric settings, drawing listeners into a world of privilege, scandal, and intrigue.

In "A Changed Man and Other Tales," Thomas Hardy delivers a captivating collection of stories exploring the complexity of human nature, the unpredictability of life, and the consequences of our choices. With vivid descriptions, well-crafted characters, and unexpected twists, these tales will transport you to Victorian England and leave you pondering the human condition. From the tale of a reformed convict seeking redemption to a wealthy woman's surprising generosity, each story is a journey that will leave you changed.

Once more the year begins. The first month of the Gregorian calendar. Cold winds howl, the landscape shivers, frost, snow, ice are the many blankets for the land. Daylight is thin; it arrives late and leaves early, ceding the hours to shadow and the ink of night. From the pens of our remarkable poets, including Shelley, Dickenson, Shakespeare, Whitman, Gilbran and a wealth of others, come sumptuous verse that describe our moods, feelings, travels and desires of the dawning year.

"Two On A Tower", a novel by Thomas Hardy, tells the story of an astronomical artist, Lady Constantine, and her love affair with a young astronomer. This tale of love, sacrifice and societal constraints is brought to life in the audiobook, accompanied by beautiful descriptions of the celestial world.