The Mayor of Casterbridge


Read by Debra Lynn

(4.6 stars; 77 reviews)

The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886) is a tragic novel by English author Thomas Hardy subtitled, "The Life and Death of a Man of Character". It is set in the fictional town of Casterbridge (based on the town of Dorchester in Dorset). The book is one of Hardy's Wessex novels, all set in a fictional rustic England. (Wikipedia)

A poor, disgruntled, drunken young man sells his wife and child to the highest bidder. When he awakens, sober, the next day he regrets his rash act and vows to give up drink and find his family and bring them home. Eventually he is forced to give up the search and move on with his life. He does this quite successfully until, nearly 20 years later, his past comes back to haunt him. (DebraLynn) (11 hr 39 min)

Chapters

Chapter 01 27:58 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 02 9:31 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 03 10:22 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 04 15:54 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 05 13:20 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 06 10:02 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 07 15:32 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 08 15:13 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 09 18:06 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 10 8:55 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 11 12:06 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 12 11:31 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 13 10:13 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 14 19:37 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 15 15:04 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 16 14:12 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 17 15:11 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 18 10:13 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 19 17:30 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 20 21:09 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 21 15:59 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 22 22:16 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 23 17:10 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 24 18:03 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 25 11:16 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 26 22:23 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 27 19:24 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 28 9:41 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 29 17:43 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 30 10:49 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 31 10:01 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 32 16:35 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 33 16:43 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 34 18:17 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 35 10:20 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 36 20:21 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 37 14:52 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 38 14:59 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 39 14:58 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 40 12:28 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 41 20:43 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 42 16:14 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 43 19:58 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 44 21:28 Read by Debra Lynn
Chapter 45 15:09 Read by Debra Lynn

Reviews

An interesting tale that is well read.


(5 stars)

I'm beginning to become a Tom Hardy fan , after years of thinking he was not worth reading. My original poor regard of him came after reading Tess of the D'urbervilles, which I felt was an overly depressing story without any silver lining for the reader. This is the third Hardy story that I've read since then, with this being my favorite so far. A lot of moral value still relevant today, entwined in a rich story of love, sacrifice, betrayal and forgiveness.

Unsatisfactory Recording


(2 stars)

Despite having a more English sounding accent, this reader's recording is not satisfactory. The quality of the sound is poor and the the presentation is further blurred by rushed sentences as if it was done in a hurry and without much interest. I gave up after three chapters and have resorted to one of the American versions on Librevox. After listening to some of the Dickens stories, read with such clarity and character by the superb Mill Nicholson, this is a disappointment.

well told story!


(5 stars)

As a young woman, I never cared much for Thomas Hardy. Loved Dostoevsky, Camus, Zola. In my later years, I realize what a wonderful story teller Hardy was. This and "Return of the Native" are really good. I find the extended title puzzling. I wonder how many readers think The Mayor was a man of character. Would make for an interesting discussion.

A Very Satisfactory Reading


(4.5 stars)

The only flaw in this reading was the repetition of the Book Title and introduction to Librivox as a whole at the start of each chapter. Otherwise it was thoroughly enjoyable. Thank you Ms. Debra Lynn and even more so Mr. Thomas Hardy.


(5 stars)

A very good tale. Sad, but as the life is sad. Wise, but as the spiritual beings become having lived and thought through this said life. “Happiness is but an occasional episode in the general drama of pain” and beauty, and providence.

Excellent Story


(5 stars)

Thomas Hardy always pulls one into a story and this one is no exception. I’m a fan! Debra Lynn is a delightful narrator and I am so grateful for her time a effort.

Easy to Understand


(5 stars)

Coming from someone who has trouble reading through the accent-rich dialogue of the MOC, this telling was a step forward to finishing this excellent piece of literature.

Highly Enjoyable


(5 stars)

The quality of the text cannot be overstated—a classic!—and neither can the quality of the reading. Excellent!