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Jude the Obscure
- Narrated by: Jenny Sterlin
- Length: 17 hrs and 52 mins
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Publisher's Summary
When the great Thomas Hardy published this heart-wrenching novel, he had no idea it would be his last. But the book stirred so much controversy and protest, Hardy vowed to never write fiction again. Jude the Obscure tells the story of a stonemason, tricked into a loveless marriage, who craves a formal education and a finer existence. Separated from his wife, Jude begins a new life with his cousin, and the couple defies social convention at every turn.
Featured Article: It Was the Best of Scribes—The Best British Authors
With its esteemed history and bold contemporary scene, Britain lays claim to some of the most exciting literature in audio. With the hundreds of incredible British writers throughout the centuries, a person could devote their whole literary life solely to British authors and still never run out of amazing things to listen to. Whether you're an avid Anglophile or just want to discover the best English novelists for yourself, here’s a list of the best for you to choose from!
What listeners say about Jude the Obscure
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- D. Byrd
- 10-17-15
A sad and world-changing book
I found this title on a list of books that will change the way you think. And, indeed, published in the late 1800s it must have been a shock to many at the time. It so criticizes and even destroys the notion of marriage as a universal good. Today, in North America at least, we all except the idea that the first person you marry might not be the last. But this book must've been one of the first to place the idea of righteous divorce in print, and, for that reason it must've been one of the first to change the great secret that many marriages are unhappy, previously only hidden in the hearts of so many. Poor Jude and poor Sue. My heart broke for them, reading this.
3 people found this helpful
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- circa24
- 06-30-18
One of Hardy's Most Powerful Tales
Not everyone finds Thomas Hardy to their taste. However, if you like Hardy's other works, such as the Mayor of Caserbridge or Tess of the Dubivilles, you will like Jude the Obscure. Anyone who has reached for the stars only to find reality and circumstance standing in their way will be able to empathize with Jude, the labourer who dreams of being a scholar. He is the good man who makes one bad choice early in life and spends his remaining days burdened by that decision. Great reader. Throughly enjoyed the book.
2 people found this helpful
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- Sohairko
- 11-08-20
Extraordinary
Beautiful, so beautiful a story, liked it so much. One of Hardy's masterpieces. Recommended, thanks to Jenny Sterlin for the touch she added.
1 person found this helpful
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- mike s.
- 02-19-20
Bleak, but a great voice artist
What’s the point in reviewing a book written in 1895? I’m only doing it to praise the voice actor. I’ve liked other Thomas Hardy novels. I kept hoping that something good or even mildly pleasant would happen. I’m guessing this was Hardy’s last book because he didn’t think much of the world. He certainly seemed to hate woman. The two females in this book are perhaps the worse women ever written. Bleak and more bleak.
1 person found this helpful
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- Whitney
- 02-14-21
Important but not "enjoyable"
Don't come here expecting a feel good love story! But this story is thought-provoking in the best of ways.
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- valerie
- 03-17-13
Ugh!
This Nartor is amazing!! If you like the english accent she is great I think I read another book by her about a scottish family. I enjoyed her reading but not the book at all. I finally stopped listenin, it was just too depressing, I just couldn't hang in long enough to find out if any good was going to happen to this guy
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- Jenny
- 09-17-18
Sue drives me nuts!
So extremely insightful and forward thinking of Hardy but, literary merits aside, I couldn't abide Sue as a character. Drove me nuts. But why she drive me nuts would be why so many others love her. Very well narrated and was effortless to listen and appreciate (aside from Sue's antics). Not my favourite Hardy novel, but overall glad to have listened to it.