Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Ralph Cosham's narration of of Hardy's classic English novel captures the essence of na•ve Tess, a poor, beautiful country girl. With textured characterizations and a seamless narrative, Cosham depicts Tess's seduction and betrayal by Alec, a country nobleman. Cosham's English accent and polished performance render the society and customs of the 1800s with a vividness that brings them to life. When Tess's baby dies, Alec once again pursues her relentlessly--this time to become his mistress. Tess has already fallen in love with Angel, a clergyman's son. Yet when Angel learns of Tess's past, he abandons her, and Tess learns she is only valued for her use to others. Cosham delivers the timeless appeal of Hardy's tragic story of seduction and abandonment. G.D.W. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

Those who are intimidated by the thought of reading an expansive, elaborate, great English novel, take heart. Now you can delight in hearing this classic story told to you. Peter Firth artistically interprets this fateful tale of a young country woman's entrapment by one of literature's great cads, Alec D'Urberville, and her subsequent abandonment by her husband, Angel Clare. Firth's tone is one of gentle solemnity, quiet and sad, not overly dramatic, but still foreboding. His dialects sound natural and unforced. His pacing is unrushed, respectful of the book's structure and punctuation. His pronunciation is flawless, with words like "interlocutor" and "theolatry" little sound poems in themselves. His light voice for Tess captures both the vulnerability and quiet strength of this misused maiden. His homage to Hardy's world view is evident in his thoughtful rendering of every homily, philosophical assertion and poetic description. Production values are also top rate: no swallows, gulps, or page turnings. The volume level is consistent, and the entire performance is of the best fidelity. It's hard to think that TESS could be interpreted better. P.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Like Ibsen's THE DOLL HOUSE, TESS speaks to feminist issues that reverberate from Victorian times to today. The heroine, a pretty country lass with spirit and intelligence, falls under the perfidious influence of a randy kinsman from whom only murder can extricate her. The gloom of the English Midlands mirrors the sad history of an essentially good woman struggling against the mores of her time. Thorne narrates these events in listener-friendly British tones and provides vivid characters in authentic accents. However, listeners familiar with Hardy's fiction will feel that something's missing. The narrator's approach is almost clinical; there's more subtext and poetry to explore than he's touched. Y.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Tess of the D'Urbervilles is Thomas Hardy's exquisite story of one of the most famous female protagonists in English literature. With natural intonation, the artistic voice of the reader sweeps us into the charm of the English countryside and into the life of this extraordinary character. Thomas Hardy would enjoy this rendition of his Tess, the pure and simple peasant girl, the beauty, the child, the woman. We are provoked by the society that binds her with social and gender constraints. And even when she rightfully defies the men who betray her, atonement is not at hand. This memorable character will stay with you long after this vivid rendition of the novel ends. J.K.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Anna Bentinck's narration shows how a classic comes alive when voiced by just the right performer. Her voice is a delight as she breathes life into a broad cast of characters. Tess's parents pressure her into a world she has never known, a world of wealth and privilege darkened by malicious intent that changes the young woman's life forever. Hardy's novel is gripping from its opening and offers an authentic look into timeless human themes such as loyalty and morality. Bentinck's crisp accents and consistently flowing pace suit the beauty of Hardy's language, as well as the intricacies of his plot. With verve and personality Bentinck delivers a classy performance of a truly classic novel. L.B.F. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine

In this classic novel of a peasant girl meeting the aristocracy, and then dealing with the consequences, Thomas Hardy examines the mores and contradictions of late-nineteenth-century England. Tess is the ultimate tragic heroine, and her plight--especially the questions of sexuality it raises--resonates even today. Simon Vance narrates this timeless story as a one-man band of Englishness. From his impeccable rhythm to the wonderful variety of accents he employs throughout the book, his reading is outstanding. One might think the book is being delivered by a full cast. In bringing the book to life, especially through the accents he uses for the country folk, Vance reminds us why Hardy's great work remains a classic of English literature. K.M. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine