> Skip to content
[]
Play sample
  • Published: 5 November 2007
  • ISBN: 9781405646796
  • Imprint: BBC DL
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 3 hr 45 min
  • Narrators: Claire Rushbrook, Adam Godley, James D'Arcy, Keith Barron
Categories:

Tess of the D'Urbervilles




The story of Tess Durbeyfield, the most tragic of Thomas Hardy's heroines. Adapted by Alan Sharp for BBC Radio 4.

John Durbeyfield (Keith Barron) learns that he is descended from the aristocratic Norman family of d'Urbervilles. He encourages his daughter, Tess (Claire Rushbrook), to befriend the family of Stoke d'Urbervilles where she meets Alec d'Urberville (Adam Godley).

Tess is ultimately seduced by Alec and the effects of their affair creates dramatic ripples in Tess's life. In an attempt to make a fresh start, Tess begins work in Wessex at the Talbothay's farm where she encounters Angel Clare (James D'Arcy), the younger son of a parson, who asks her to marry him. Torn between her love for Angel and the events of her past, Tess is faced with the choice to confess all to Angel or bury the memories when an old face reappears culminating in the spiral of tragedies.

Director: Mary Peate
Music: Composed by Sylvia Hallett
Violin: Isabel Watson

  • Published: 5 November 2007
  • ISBN: 9781405646796
  • Imprint: BBC DL
  • Format: Audio Download
  • Length: 3 hr 45 min
  • Narrators: Claire Rushbrook, Adam Godley, James D'Arcy, Keith Barron
Categories:

Other books in the series

Russian Thinkers
The New Penguin Book Of American Short Stories, From Washington Irving To Lydia Davis
When You Are Old
The Black Tulip
The Lady of the Camellias
The Good Soldier
Selected Poetry
Venus in Furs
Man and Superman
Military Dispatches
The Prelude

About the author

Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) wrote stories, novellas, and novels. His work exposed the injustices of Victorian society. However, following the widespread outrage in reaction to his novel Jude the Obscure, Hardy abandoned fiction altogether and spent his last years writing poetry.

Also by Thomas Hardy

See all