Under the Greenwood Tree
Thomas Hardy
Leído por Rachel Lintern
This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day.
Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways.
The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern) (6 hr 44 min)
Capítulos
Reseñas
Sheila
One of my favourite books brought beautifully to life by Rachel Lintern. Well done and Thank You.
The BBC adaptation is more entertaining (and completely different)
kirk
Rachel Lintern gets 5 stars, but I was disappointed after watching the BBC adaptation which I loved to find that the original story (which I hadn’t read before) was completely different in its relationship dynamics and pretty much all its events. I’ve never preferred an adaptation to the original book before, certainly not so hugely. Hardy should have stuck with the original title and focused on the old traditions of the Quire and not bothered with such a tiresome relationship which took up the entirety of whole second half if not more. I’m off to rewatch the 2005 BBC ‘adaptation’ for some entertainment. Well done to the scriptwriters for writing a fix-it fanfiction instead.
A perfect recording
Philippe Horak
This charming portrayal of a picturesque rural society, tinged with gentle humour and quiet irony, established Hardy as a writer. However, the novel is not merely a charming rural idyll. The double-plot, in which the love story of Dick Dewey and Fancy Day is inter-related with a tragic chapter in the history of Mellstock Choir, hints at the poignant disappearance of a long-lived and highly-valued traditional way of life. Many thanks to Mrs Lintern for her enlightened reading of Hardy’s novel and bravo to Mrs Golding for her singing. The recording will no doubt delight all fans of classic British literature.
Much to be recommended
Randall Curb
This early Hardy novels is not very well known and is certainly not of the calibre or gravity of his later works. But it is a delightful and fascinating tale nonetheless, and if you dislike the gloom of works like "Jude the Obscure" and "Tess," you should find this a pleasant surprise. The single reader is excellent all the way through the relatively short narrative. She really seems to enjoy the characters, and that kind of empathy is what makes for a splendid audiobook!
Excellent in Every Way
jenniebrown
The story is moving and shines a light on what technology, no matter how small, brings a change that affects many in ways both bad and good. It’s a tender love story as well which adds a genuineness to the outcome. Ruth Golding adds her singing talent to the melancholy ages old hymn in Book the First, Chapter 4 at the 11:38 mark. Simply fantastic narration as well.
Enjoyable
R Goodwin
Listening to this LibriVox recording was very enjoyable. The reader does an excellent job. She is one of my favorites. I would definitely recommend anyone to listen to this.
cute story, beautifully read
Jane Eyre (Fan)
Such a funny little tail, very detailed and dainty descriptive style of writing. The reader was fabulous!
Excellent reader
Natalie Wilson
Listening to this book read by a Bristol woman was perfect. She did a wonderful job.