TESS OF THE D'URBERVILLES

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. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2008]