Two on a Tower

by Thomas Hardy Narrated by Peter Joyce

Overview

Written in 1882, and set in the author's beloved West Country, Two on a Tower is one of Hardy's earliest works. This fast moving story combines tragedy, romance and humour in a convoluted tale of human relationships. It also reflects Hardy's interest in the stars and astronomy.

Lonely Viviette Constantine awaits the return of her husband from a hunting expedition to Africa. She becomes involved with a young astronomer, Swithin St. Cleeve, who observes the night sky from a disused tower on her estate. Despite their differing ages and social backgrounds they soon find their destinies linked - but with fateful consequences

Editorial Reviews

AudioFile

Although Two on a Tower is a minor Thomas Hardy work, minor Thomas Hardy is much worth a listener’s time…A truly fine novel.”

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile

Swithin St. Cleeve and Lady Constantine have a challenging relationship. Because of social pressure, neither party is free to commit to the other. Leighton Pugh’s focused narration keeps the listener’s attention fixed on the events of the story. He captures the somber tones of Hardy’s prose without becoming monotonous. Through his vocal characterizations, Pugh aptly builds the characters’ personalities. Young Swithin, an aspiring astronomer, is passionate and earnest; his slight rural accent immediately contrasts his social standing with Lady Constantine’s. Pugh renders Lady Constantine’s ambivalence by making her sound nervous at times and forceful at others. His attention to dialogue adds insight into the characters’ motivations. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

APRIL 2020 - AudioFile

Swithin St. Cleeve and Lady Constantine have a challenging relationship. Because of social pressure, neither party is free to commit to the other. Leighton Pugh’s focused narration keeps the listener’s attention fixed on the events of the story. He captures the somber tones of Hardy’s prose without becoming monotonous. Through his vocal characterizations, Pugh aptly builds the characters’ personalities. Young Swithin, an aspiring astronomer, is passionate and earnest; his slight rural accent immediately contrasts his social standing with Lady Constantine’s. Pugh renders Lady Constantine’s ambivalence by making her sound nervous at times and forceful at others. His attention to dialogue adds insight into the characters’ motivations. D.M.W. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169651409
Publisher:	Assembled Stories
Publication date:	10/12/2004
Edition description:	Unabridged

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