Tess of the d'Urbervilles (version 2)

Made My Heart Hurt

(5 stars)

Hospitable Georgian

I chose a female reader since the story is about a woman. I was not disappointed. The somber, sad tone of the Readers voice lent well to the sadness and despair that makes up most of this story. Tess knew very little hapiness in her short life and had no man or woman to stand up for her against the evil one. After all of that suffering, the ending of the story about broke my heart.

A talent like Alisson Veldhuis deserves better production support

(5 stars)

dahszil

I have listened to the other two readings, and while they are of better technical quality they are not as engaging Veldhuis's version. It is a shame that this video sounds like it was recorded into a muffled mic in the middle of a classroom. I am a tech idiot, but i am sure there are others who could help out this talented reader. btw, Alisson if you are on a deadline and voice starts getting gravely, try a weak tea, with lots of honey and lemon juice. drink this combination as much as you like. It works well for laryngitis or sore throat for me. Also if you are tired take a break and begin reading again in a few hours or next day. I noticed your wonderful voice started becoming gravely after awhile. If you have a deadline just drink stronger tea, along with honey and lemon juice of course. :-) beautiful, from pre raphaelite painting, cover art dahszil male usa

(5 stars)

Chad

Alison Veldhuis is the hero of this narrative. Her reading and accents add interest to this unrelentingly dull and outdated tale. Hardy, I see, has been challenged on his attitude to women though his perspective is described as a dissertation on Victorian patriarchy. However, no one in this novel exhibits any virtue and I don't accept any period deserves such a disparaging review on humanity. Beautifully read but do yourself a favour and save yourself a kicking.

Great reader despite poor audio

(5 stars)

Michael Burnham

Wonderful reader. Brings the story to life. I wish she had a better microphone. As far as the book itself goes, I see why it's a classic but it's a terrible book. Don't waste your emotion. You can learn the lessons it teaches from plenty of other books which are more inspiring. If you're truly a masochist then have at it.

Response to dahszil

(0 stars)

librivoxbooks

I do assure you that we spend a lot of time helping readers obtain the best audio quality from the equipment they have available. Unfortunately it is just a fact that some mics and computers yield much better audio quality than others; and some readers do not accept our suggestions. Tricia

Great reading!

(5 stars)

Kaveri

Thanks a lot for this. It has been v much helpful . Alisson Veldhuis is a great reader! I'm from India where chastity is a must for a girl. Conservative people with such prejudices must read this novel to be educated and westernised by their thoughts.

Not my favorite

(3 stars)

Paul Busman

For all it's fame, this wasn't my favorite Hardy. In the end it seemed so depressing and pointless. I suppose the pointless was the point. Hardy's writing was excellent as was the reading.

(5 stars)

great story!

Young people who believe in chastity before marriage - yes, there are still such in Western societies should read this book to better Teunderstand themselves and the opposite sex.