Hardy’s Quirky Rom-Com

A strange little book. One of Hardy’s later works and the last of his novels to be published. More lighthearted than his usual work. Worth reading but not on the same level as Tess or The Mayor Casterbridge.

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Fickle Love on Portland and in London

Lesser known Hard nove. Enjoyable walking my home island with the characters. Great narrator. Do listen.

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3 people found this helpful

Love the voice, but it's not enough

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I like Thomas Hardy novels, but despite this one being read by one of my favourite voice actors, it was not enough to hold my attention. The story rambles and I lost all sympathy with the protagonist. I didn't finish the book.

Would you ever listen to anything by Thomas Hardy again?

Yes.

What does Robert Powell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He has a beautiful voice and reads very well, bringing his characters to life. He manages to read the female parts in a very believable way, as well, which is no mean feat.

Did The Well-Beloved inspire you to do anything?

Only to stop reading it! To be honest, it did get me to sleep quite well on a number of nights, which is no bad thing since I often find it difficult. But then, probably almost any book read by Robert Powell would have done that job.

Any additional comments?

I'm glad I tried it, since it was one of the few Hardy's I have never read.

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Ineresting but not brilliant

Not Hardy's best and his portrayal of the ageism prevalent against women of a certain age jars with modern sensibilities or at least it should. Still the conceit of a sculptor with an idealised version of womanhood in the flesh as opposed to stone is as ever nicely worked. The various complications of changing relationships including the round robin jiltings are reminiscent of a Shakespearen plot or less charitably a soap opera .The Wessex description of the "Island" ie Portland Bill and the export of Portland stone by ship to London are of historical interest. There are some echoes of Hardy's personal life .

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A really enjoyable story

Robert Powell makes the book come alive. The story is so unusual but really captivating as we see in the three ages some constants but with subtle changes through aging.

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A good story spoiled

I was in great anticipation finding that Robert Powell was the narrator of this Thomas Hardy story, as I'm a longstanding admirer of Robert's work. Sadly I am bewidered, disappointed and decidedly irritated by this experienced and well respected actor's continuous mis-pronounciation of the commonplace female name of 'Avice' throughout the entire book. It's pronounced 'AY-VISS.' Not pronouncing the 'A' like the 'A' in 'hat' and 'cat'. Like in the word 'Avarice'. What's wrong with him? Has he never met a lady with this name in his long life. Does he not research his projects beforehand? Obviously not. I expected more from this esteemed actor's narration here. It spoils the entire listening experience for me. I guess I'll read the book myself to overlay a more positive memory of the novel.

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