Jude the Obscure

Some indigestible novels should be delivered orally by the best possible narrator; they're too painful to read otherwise. This is definitely the case with Hardy's Jude the Obscure. Hardy's prose style is preachy, Jude and Sue's troubles are simply beyond the pale, and the reader's sympathy can be exhausted early on. Narrator Stephen Thorne comes to the rescue by taking the novel seriously. He performs all characters masterfully, with helpful pacing and impressive energy. Every gasp, sob, moan, and cry is professionally delivered without a trace of irony. Upon completion, one feels gratitude towards the talented Thorne for helping us get down this bitter pill of a book. P.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

July 29, 2013
The controversial tale of Jude Fawley and his unconventional relationship with his cousin, Sue Bridehead, is as fascinating today as it was when Hardy published the novel in 1895. Beautifully narrated by the gifted Neville Jason, this story of repression, judgment, and true love will appeal to listeners who love the classics. Jason’s proper tone and slow pacing is a perfect fit for Hardy’s prose. As Jude, Jason shifts his voice to become, by turns, optimistic and lovelorn, while the supporting characters are equally well crafted. The result is a truly memorable literary experience that demands repeated listens.

This is why you listen, or why you should: Because a good performance is more than an easy way to "read" a book. And a great performance enhances the original, no matter how great (or not) it may be. Jenny Sterlin animates Hardy's characters without calling attention to herself--that is without raising thoughts of "here's a woman trying to sound like a man." She encourages continued listening when continued reading might be difficult; for example, when Sue and Jude are at their most exasperating. Sterlin's performance is recommended to all listeners--not just fans of Hardy or classic British literature. After all, this is why you listen. Or why you should. T.J.W. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine