The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
|
List Price: Our Price: $25.93 You Save: $14.02 (35%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $22.97 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Return of the Native
Book Review: Rickman's reading brings classic to life.
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Return Of The Native" starts out slowly, but progresses nicely. What really brings this story to life is the narration on audio CD by acclaimed actor Alan Rickman. His talents are well used in this instance, and the old adage that, "If velvet could speak, it would sound like Alan Rickman" is proven to be true. It almost feels like you are listening to a play being acted out, as each character is given his own "voice", be it a man or a woman, and the different accents and dialects add to this feeling. The reading is given much feeling and emotion. Mr. Rickman even gets the chance to sing a little, in both English and French, what a treat to the Alan Rickman fan! I can't tell you what a treat is has been to settle in after a long hard day, slipping on the headphones, and laying down before sleep in the darkness with Alan Rickman speaking softly and close in my ears.... Ahhh... such SWEET dreams!Book Review: Classic worth listening to
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third time I've listened to this audio book, something I have never done before. I must admit, it gets better ever time. The description of the characters is incredible - when have you read a whole chapter describing an individual? Or the landscape? Certainly way more verbose than modern style, but the observations stand the test of time, and paint pictures that linger. None of the characters is flawless, and the errors of omission in their acts toward each other results in no end of misery. But the view of life in another time, with all its physical differences and all its emotional similarities to ours is intrigueing. And Rickman is fabulous, capturing accents and personalities that reading myself in my cozy chair in Phoenix Arizona would never have known.Book Review: Amazing
Summary: 5 Stars
The CD audio book of the Return of the Native actually deserves to be described as amazing. The lyrical prose of Hardy, combines with the incomparable voice and performance of Alan Rickman, to make this a genuine treasure.
Rickman, in his limited interviews, has repeatedly referred to himself as an instrument. In this product, the only part of that instrument he could utilize was his voice. It is more than enough: the pictures and action spring vividly to life. Listening to his performance is sheer joy, and it rapidly makes you realize how little his capability has been tapped by film - where the whole "instrument" is utilized.
I would give this product the highest recommendation.
Book Review: Return of the Native audio book
Summary: 5 Stars
As a keen fan of Thomas Hardy, I have found this reading wonderful. Alan Rickman's rendition is beautifully paced and the characters were really brought to life by the variety of tone within his voice. Certainly, this is one of Hardy's gloomier works--but all the more fascinating for the picture given of characters in a truly remarkable landscape. I've always regarded Egdon Heath as the true hero of this work anyway. At a time when I have needed distraction from my own circumstances, this marvellous version has proved invaluable and I look forward to acquiring others to enjoy.Book Review: Thomas Hardy's "Return of the Native" read by Alan Rickman
Summary: 5 Stars
I am not particularly well versed in English literature, but this CD is read by Alan Rickman and his voice is mesmerizing. Thomas Hardy's characters and settings are wonderfully descriptive and colorful. I listen and relisten to the first chapters and don't tire of them, because listening to it is so pleasurable! I found the book in my collection, and sometimes I follow along with the CDs. I'm going to enjoy this for a long, long time!