A Pair of Blue Eyes

Truly excellent, a treat for the mind and ears!

(5 stars)

knickkname

Though a Hardyophile from way back, I was unfamiliar with this title and delighted to get to know the story and characters, several of whom are complex and memorable even by Thomas Hardy standards. Can't say enough good things about reader Tadhg Hynes-- his voice is wonderfully natural and easy on the ears, the interpretation is intelligent, lucid and artistic, and the voices and dialects are just flat-out brilliant work. Even during extended dialog passages, he manages to be so consistent in the voice of each character that you always know exactly who is speaking. I am very much looking forward to his solo "Woodlanders" (in progress.) An enthusiastic recommendation with much appreciation!

(4 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

A Pair of Blue Eyes isn't as well known as some of Thomas Hardy's others novels, and perhaps not as dramatic, it has some of the pastoral descriptions and social themes, especially the misfortunes of women in out still mostly patriarchal world. The narrator is a perfect match for all of Hardy's novels.

Great tragic romance

(5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

Loved the narrator and the story had a good balance of emotions

Pre-Tess of the D'Urbervilles

(4 stars)

Carrie

This novel has some of the elements of Tess of the D'Urbervilles but without the tragedy, and can perhaps be called a tragicomedy. I had a bit of a chuckle at the ending. The heroine, though not unintelligent, is a bit good-hearted, a bit fickle and a bit shallow, and we are left wondering if her suiters like her for her innocence and her hair and eyes. With some of the wonderful landscape descriptions Hardy is known for, and an exciting cliff-hanger (literally), it's a worthwhile listen. I always enjoy a British Isles accent especially when the book is British, and the narrator doesn't disappoint even if I didn't understand some of the thick-accented conversations which occurred a few times. But that's Hardy's fault as I'm sure the narrator spoke them correctly.

A classic Hardy tragedy

(4 stars)

Dennis Murray

A beautifully crafted novel and with the reading skills of Tadhg you don't simply hear the story you actually live and breathe the lives of the characters. An astonishing narrative feast! As for the story itself well without spoiling it for new readers this is a highly melodramatic tragedy where the constraints of class society and the fates conspire against Elfride (perhaps for her betrayal of her first true lover??).

AWFUL ACCENT and I'm Irish but he has a country one.

(0.5 stars)

A LibriVox Listener

I knew this narrator would be Irish because Tadgh, is an Irish Christian name. I also knew that this would ruin the stories too!! I can't stand his voice, I lasted 90 seconds but you decide for yourself, whether you like his monotone, boring voice or not! He also makes several mispronunciations too!!

(5 stars)

Christine Gibson - Jhb

Beautifully read- Christine Gibson - Johannesburg. I love Thomas Hardy. His knowledge of all the different classes of society is so well defined. Our world is so changed. My grandchildren who are so very modern are still too young to appreciate these lovely beautifully written books. Perhaps when they are 50!?

lovely tale

(5 stars)

jenniebrown

Thomas Hardy is a master at forsaken and tormenting love and he does not disappoint here. The beautiful Irish lilt of Tadhg Hynes' voice lends the perfect mood to this engaging read. Thank you LibriVox and thank you Tadhg.