Wessex Tales

Originally published in 1888, Hardy's classic collection of short tales set in early-19th-century Southwest England%E2%80%94examines the lives of everyday folk, many of whom go through otherworldly occurrences. Neville Jason deftly narrates this audio edition. With only minor shifts in tone, Jason lends each character a distinct voice that is easily recognizable to listeners. Additionally, Jason's narration possesses an eloquence that will delight listeners and transport them to another time and place where the magical was indeed possible. While the book's language may seem dated to some listeners, Jason does his best to incorporate a slightly modern approach into his performance, and this brings a sense of immediacy to the stories. An enjoyable listen from start to finish and a must for Hardy fans. (June)