Two on a Tower

by Thomas Hardy Narrated by Leighton Pugh

Overview

Deep in the grounds of Welland House lies an ancient memorial tower, surrounded by a prehistoric wilderness that isolates it from the rest of the land. When one day Viviette Constantine, the wife of the estate's owner, investigates the tower, she there discovers Swithin St Cleeve, a young astronomer who introduces her to the majesty and wonders of the night sky. Instantly drawn to Swithin, and with her husband abroad, Viviette offers him use of the tower and becomes a kind of apprentice to him, and then, eventually, a lover. Guarded by the tower's safe seclusion, the two star-crossed lovers `sweep the heavens' and create their own private world, away from the judgement of society... Will they keep their secret, and escape the forces set to drive them apart?

Editorial Reviews

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

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

Product Details

BN ID:	2940174937864
Publisher:	Naxos Audiobooks
Publication date:	10/28/2019
Edition description:	Unabridged

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