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Audiobooks > Fiction >  Classics > The Vicar of Wakefield
The Vicar of Wakefield Audiobook, by Oliver Goldsmith Play Audiobook Sample

Download The Vicar of Wakefield Audiobook

3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5 (3.00) - 2,918 customer ratings
The Vicar of Wakefield Audiobook, by Oliver Goldsmith Play Audiobook Sample
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Author: Oliver Goldsmith Narrator: David Thorn Publisher: Alcazar AudioWorks Audio Length: Release Date: January 2006 Format: Audio Theater Audiobook Delivery: Instant Download ISBN: 9781481564472
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Publisher Description

The story opens in the country parsonage of Dr. Primrose, a kindly man who has a good heart, a good family, and a good income. Suddenly, his idyllic life is cruelly devastated by a series of misfortunes, and he ends up in prison. Yet, despite all this calamity and injustice, the vicar never loses sight of Christian morality, a conviction which lends him genuine nobility and, in the end, also brings justice and the restoration of his family and fortune.

Through this simple, almost fairy-tale plot, Goldsmith gives us a charming comedy. It is not a novel of sentiment but an artful send-up of many of the familiar literary conventions of his day: the pastoral scene, the artificial romance, the unquestioning stoic bravery of the hero—all culminating in a gloriously improbable dénouement.

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Quotes

  • “We return to it again and again, and bless the memory of an author who contrives so well to reconcile us to human nature.”

    - Sir Walter Scott

Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fun to see an old English novel that came before Austen and Dickens and yet looks like they both pulled a lot from here. Funny that the focus is on the Vicar who does preside over his family of girls but is really rather oblivious to what goes on in his household. It's prett short too so if you're looking for an English Novel but not willing or able to devote the time at the moment this is a good choice. "

    - Mary, 2/19/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Primarily a narrative linking various essays on religion, morality and politics. I found it preposterous at times and dull at others. "

    - Webcowgirl, 2/17/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What's going on here? According to the introduction and notes, it's satire on literary convention. But satire seems too harsh- more like loving parody. I have very little to say, except that if i had to read one eighteenth century novel, this would be it: it's short, it's not repetitive, the prose is lean and clean, it's funny, and it's full of good cheer. And the characters have persuasive arguments for the importance of neo-classical ideals in literature, of which recent authors of bloated monstrosities and self-referential navel gazing turgidities are much in need. And the soft-hearted Tory politics are pleasant even for a crusty old revolutionary such as myself: "I found that monarchy was the best government for the poor to live in, and commonwealths for the rich. I found that riches in general were in every country another name for freedom; and that no man is so fond of liberty himself as not to be desirous of subjecting the will of some individuals in society to his own," chapter 20. Amen to that, vicar's son. "

    - Justin, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I find that I prefer satire in short story rather than in novel. This book was a pain to read maybe in part because I had to answer many questions about it for a college class. The things that happened in it were just too unbelievable and it dragged in places. I was so glad to be finished with it. "

    - Sharon, 2/14/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Man of the cloth, picture perfect family and life. Life takes a turn, ends in wishing for better times, but always almost too perfect in noting his blessings no matter how bad it gets (even after poverty, loss of property, and incarceration). Resembles Job from the Old Testament. Decent storytelling with some fun but also somewhat predictable twists. "

    - Craig, 2/11/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " There's a reason this is a classic--entertaining, even exciting. Hilarious description of the family's overblown portrait by a traveling limner, just wonderful. "

    - Trish, 2/10/2014
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " Never again. Never, ever, again. "

    - Nicole, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Fun to see an old English novel that came before Austen and Dickens and yet looks like they both pulled a lot from here. Funny that the focus is on the Vicar who does preside over his family of girls but is really rather oblivious to what goes on in his household. It's prett short too so if you're looking for an English Novel but not willing or able to devote the time at the moment this is a good choice. "

    - Mary, 2/5/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " It's true that The Vicar of Wakefield is in many ways, a not very good book. Certainly the plot is silly and full of holes. You get all the implausible coincidences and mistaken identities of a Dickens book, but none of Dickens' magnificent, if idiosyncratic, English, or memorable characters. Yet Goldsmith's style has an easy, simple charm of its own, and the fact that the book knows it's silly and asks the reader to go along with it anyway makes it impossible not to like. "

    - Raisu, 2/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Nice pretty language, but SNOOZE Fest! "

    - Aubrie, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It felt unintentionally hilarious which considerably heightened my enjoyment. "

    - Janice, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Amusing, funny characters, interesting, quotable, fantastical in plot... I love it! "

    - Kailey, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I started to read this our of curiosity, as it came to me in a box of books I bought at an auction. I love the complexity of sentence structure, the didactic passages, the happy outcome--though just from the perspective of recalling graduate school assignments. I enjoyed it but don't have to read more of Goldsmith, nor would it recommend it to everyone. "

    - Karen, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A riches to rags story with a happy ending. "

    - Kathy, 1/30/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The Vicar endures many trials, many hardships in varying forms but perseveres. Tale is a bit drawn out but quite ok, in general a good story but not one I'll read again. "

    - Marts, 1/28/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Originally published in 1766, Goldsmith's novel strikes a tone of hilarity from the start. It's the tone of the first person narrator, the expressions -- once one gets past the dialect and spelling. The story is promising at this stage and Goldsmith manages to keep his readers engaged, despite overlong monologues that take the place of conversation. ... In order to avoid any spoiler activity here, let's leave the rest by saying that Goldsmith seems to be taking a royalist view on Candide and Job. "

    - Tor, 1/27/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " There's a reason this is a classic--entertaining, even exciting. Hilarious description of the family's overblown portrait by a traveling limner, just wonderful. "

    - Trish, 1/26/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I think Goldsmith's play were better - at least the one I saw (She Stoops to Conquer, I think). It seemed that he made this story up as he went along - even in the eighteenth century I think editing and plot planning could have occurred! But who am I to complain about a classic! "

    - Sally, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I saw a painting by the title when I was at the Legion of Honor museum in San Fran. I decided to check out the book with the same title. The book was a bit funny, but a bit long in sermonizing. It sort of felt like the author's vehicle for sharing essays on his political/religious/monetary views. "

    - Sarah, 1/25/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a creative retelling of the biblical Job story. I laughed until I cried and was even tempted to shed a few real tears throughout. Thoroughly entertaining and instructive... "

    - Jake, 1/22/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I tried to read the whole thing but the book bored me in such a powerful way I just flat decided to put it down. I'm sure this was a gripping read at some historical point in time but it is a time, apparently, I have little or no affinity for. "

    - James, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is such a fun and happy book. "

    - K., 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this for lit course in college at the Pontifical College Josephinum. my classmate William B. Schardt ( now Rev.)also found this book intriguing.. "

    - pjr8888, 1/20/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I started to read this our of curiosity, as it came to me in a box of books I bought at an auction. I love the complexity of sentence structure, the didactic passages, the happy outcome--though just from the perspective of recalling graduate school assignments. I enjoyed it but don't have to read more of Goldsmith, nor would it recommend it to everyone. "

    - Karen, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I originally put this book down unfinished. Still, after picking it back up, it has taken me nearly six months and twenty sitting to finish it. The book isn't horrible, it's just tedious. The plot and prose have their charms, and some of the Vicar's most poetic and passionate monologues are genuinely touching, but all things considered, it is very dry and difficult to get through, even if it does clock in at under 200 pages. "

    - Kyle, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A lovely book about the hope of man, the triumph of goodness, and the importance of clinging to faith. Falls a bit trite at the ending; a 1700's version of the story of Job with perhaps too happy/neat of an ending...but a very worthwhile read, full of gems. Favorite line: "it has ever been my opinion that no man was past the hour of amendment, every heart lying open to the shafts of reproof, if the archer could but take proper aim". Beautiful. "

    - Sarah, 1/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Sort of a goofy story. "

    - Kit, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " So . . . that happened. "

    - Nathan, 1/8/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book makes Pollyanna look like a pessimist! "

    - Anne, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Amusing, though I can't really remember much else about it. "

    - Erik, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " What a creative retelling of the biblical Job story. I laughed until I cried and was even tempted to shed a few real tears throughout. Thoroughly entertaining and instructive... "

    - Jake, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Definitely deserves to be the classic it is. I can see the Job theme and appreciate the manner in which Goldsmith allows him to grow through his trials. It also reminds me of Clarissa by Richardson. It's hard to imagine that he wrote it so fast. "

    - JoAnn, 1/3/2014
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I actually listened to this on CD in the car. Luckily, it was a well-done version. The story was really frustrating, though. I mean, this is mostly a family of idiots! I realize it's meant to be satire or entertainment but I wanted to shake them. "

    - Julie, 1/1/2014
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " So . . . that happened. "

    - Nathan, 12/22/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A wonderfully written allegory about a family that perseveres through a litany of calamities and has everything work out in the end. "

    - Pam, 12/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very funny look at family life in the eighteenth century. "

    - Tiffany, 12/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Primarily a narrative linking various essays on religion, morality and politics. I found it preposterous at times and dull at others. "

    - Webcowgirl, 12/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Sort of a goofy story. "

    - Kit, 12/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " It's a short novel with a good, concise meaning. It's about a guy who eventually learns that even when the material world is gone it's only family that matters in the end. "

    - Joseph, 11/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I had a bit of trouble following the twists and turns in the audio version, but when Goldsmith is funny, he's very very funny. "

    - Debbie, 11/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Very old fashioned type writing,(written in 1700's), but if you can get past that, it has the same flavor as Jane Austen stories. Girls having few options but marriage, miscommunication and redemption of a suitor, the rise and fall of a families financial/place in society, etc. "

    - Dawn, 11/24/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful book. The title character is one of my heroes. "

    - Brendan, 11/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A pretty cute book. But I have to say, I treated this as a comedy and didn't take the story too seriously. It's really entertaining though. I thought the Vicar's sermons were very cute too. "

    - Serena, 11/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this for lit course in college at the Pontifical College Josephinum. my classmate William B. Schardt ( now Rev.)also found this book intriguing.. "

    - pjr8888, 11/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I think Goldsmith's play were better - at least the one I saw (She Stoops to Conquer, I think). It seemed that he made this story up as he went along - even in the eighteenth century I think editing and plot planning could have occurred! But who am I to complain about a classic! "

    - Sally, 10/29/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " So good, albeit predictable. I enjoyed the writing and it read like a play. Plus, I suspect the predictability was a bit intentional. "

    - Mary, 10/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A lot of this went over my head. I mean the main character just reminded me of Job from the bible. Everything that could go wrong just kept happening. "

    - Kerri, 10/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield is a soap opera, with political and philosophical rantings. Kind of fun. I'm glad I've read it. "

    - Cydney, 9/27/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " A bloody waste of time. "

    - Muhammad, 9/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I understand that this book is a big joke, but there it is just not amusing enough in the end to be worth it. "

    - Manday, 9/19/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I read this for lit course in college at the Pontifical College Josephinum. my classmate William B. Schardt ( now Rev.)also found this book intriguing.. "

    - pjr8888, 9/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Published in 1766, The Vicar of Wakefield is a soap opera, with political and philosophical rantings. Kind of fun. I'm glad I've read it. "

    - Cydney, 8/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Amusing, though I can't really remember much else about it. "

    - Erik, 8/13/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite poet to date. "

    - Linda, 8/10/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is such a fun and happy book. "

    - K., 8/4/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this book but it was hard to believe because one bad thing after another kept happening to the Vicar and his family - sometimes such tragic things that most people wouldn't be able to bounce back so quickly. Thankfully the ending was happy. "

    - Kristine, 7/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Over-the-top, heavy-handed writing overwhelms what could very well be one of the best-intentioned books in the history of the novel. "

    - Paul, 7/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " old old old book, but full of satire, irony etc. "

    - Deb, 6/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " very cute. i'll give it that. "

    - Louis, 6/20/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I saw a painting by the title when I was at the Legion of Honor museum in San Fran. I decided to check out the book with the same title. The book was a bit funny, but a bit long in sermonizing. It sort of felt like the author's vehicle for sharing essays on his political/religious/monetary views. "

    - Sarah, 6/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I think Goldsmith's play were better - at least the one I saw (She Stoops to Conquer, I think). It seemed that he made this story up as he went along - even in the eighteenth century I think editing and plot planning could have occurred! But who am I to complain about a classic! "

    - Sally, 5/21/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Enjoyable. Felt like fluff, with a sense that there may be more deeper down that i wasn't picking up on. "

    - Martin, 5/5/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " That crazy seminar paper on Fanny Hill was also on this novel. "

    - Kathleen, 4/7/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " In this update of Job, all's swell that ends swell. "

    - David, 4/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " That crazy seminar paper on Fanny Hill was also on this novel. "

    - Kathleen, 4/1/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Nice pretty language, but SNOOZE Fest! "

    - Aubrie, 3/28/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite poet to date. "

    - Linda, 3/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " A bloody waste of time. "

    - Muhammad, 3/9/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A truly fun classic! Love Goldsmith's humor and the Vicar's passionate protest against the Draconian prison system of the time. Goldsmith was said to be a dolt in conversation (per the Johnsonian crowd) but once he took up a pen, look out! "

    - Amy, 2/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is a charming 18th century novel. "

    - Atina, 2/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If Jane Austen wrote the Book of Job, this is probably what it would sound like. Kind of awesome, but a little sad and extreme at the same time. "

    - Miriam, 1/23/2013
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Sort of a goofy story. "

    - Kit, 1/3/2013
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Some 18th century novels are tedious. This is one of them. "

    - Jack, 12/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " There's a reason this is a classic--entertaining, even exciting. Hilarious description of the family's overblown portrait by a traveling limner, just wonderful. "

    - Trish, 12/9/2012
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I find that I prefer satire in short story rather than in novel. This book was a pain to read maybe in part because I had to answer many questions about it for a college class. The things that happened in it were just too unbelievable and it dragged in places. I was so glad to be finished with it. "

    - Sharon, 11/19/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I actually read a version of this book published in 1903 with illustrations by John Massey Wright lovely book feels loved and wanted but the story only gets a 3 star "

    - Pamela, 10/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Primarily a narrative linking various essays on religion, morality and politics. I found it preposterous at times and dull at others. "

    - Webcowgirl, 10/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Definitely deserves to be the classic it is. I can see the Job theme and appreciate the manner in which Goldsmith allows him to grow through his trials. It also reminds me of Clarissa by Richardson. It's hard to imagine that he wrote it so fast. "

    - JoAnn, 10/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I'm a sucker for a period novel. This one didn't disappoint, and it was a beautiful book to boot. A quick read, quite witty at times. "

    - Lori, 9/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Kind of a confusing book.... somehow very wordy, but the story was nice. "

    - Elizabeth, 9/10/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If Jane Austen wrote the Book of Job, this is probably what it would sound like. Kind of awesome, but a little sad and extreme at the same time. "

    - Miriam, 8/8/2012
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " So . . . that happened. "

    - Nathan, 4/17/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Wonderful book. The title character is one of my heroes. "

    - Brendan, 4/3/2012
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this book but it was hard to believe because one bad thing after another kept happening to the Vicar and his family - sometimes such tragic things that most people wouldn't be able to bounce back so quickly. Thankfully the ending was happy. "

    - Kristine, 12/26/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Charming, expressive, comical, heart-warming; how Goldsmith could turn a phrase - a delight to the senses. But ever present was the great English class divide; such a gulf between the haves and the have-nots. But perserverance prevales and faith in God unpins the life in misery or joy. "

    - Hank, 12/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I find that I prefer satire in short story rather than in novel. This book was a pain to read maybe in part because I had to answer many questions about it for a college class. The things that happened in it were just too unbelievable and it dragged in places. I was so glad to be finished with it. "

    - Sharon, 12/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A classic; and, I had hoped that I would NOT guess the ultimate outcome. Yet . . . alas! Questions raised reminded me of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure which, I'm afraid, I enjoyed much, much better. "

    - R.a., 12/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " dr primrose is the reason to read this book. "

    - Isabel, 12/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Mercatornet 101 YA. An interesting, moralistic story that's beautifully told, though the characters remain somewhat distant and unrelatable. I was impatient with the story throughout, but when finished I was very glad I'd read to the end. "

    - Clare, 10/31/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very funny look at family life in the eighteenth century. "

    - Tiffany, 9/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Over-the-top, heavy-handed writing overwhelms what could very well be one of the best-intentioned books in the history of the novel. "

    - Paul, 8/23/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " dr primrose is the reason to read this book. "

    - Isabel, 8/10/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I actually read a version of this book published in 1903 with illustrations by John Massey Wright lovely book feels loved and wanted but the story only gets a 3 star "

    - Pamela, 8/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I believe this book could be the root cause of narcolepsy. "

    - Steve, 7/12/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I actually listened to this on CD in the car. Luckily, it was a well-done version. The story was really frustrating, though. I mean, this is mostly a family of idiots! I realize it's meant to be satire or entertainment but I wanted to shake them. "

    - Julie, 6/3/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This is a mostly harmless book. It's a good read if you're looking for a piece from this time. If you're looking for something life altering then read Shamela or A Sentimental Journey. "

    - Gwen, 5/30/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " A very funny look at family life in the eighteenth century. "

    - Tiffany, 4/27/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Love it!.....and chose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, not for a fine glossy surface, but for such qualities as would wear well. "

    - Christa, 4/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite poet to date. "

    - Linda, 4/13/2011
  • Overall Performance: 1 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 51 out of 5

    " I find that I prefer satire in short story rather than in novel. This book was a pain to read maybe in part because I had to answer many questions about it for a college class. The things that happened in it were just too unbelievable and it dragged in places. I was so glad to be finished with it. "

    - Sharon, 3/15/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I think this book was fine, though its unfinished ending drives me nuts! "

    - Jennifer, 3/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " very cute. i'll give it that. "

    - Louis, 2/20/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " This book is a charming 18th century novel. "

    - Atina, 2/19/2011
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " Charming, expressive, comical, heart-warming; how Goldsmith could turn a phrase - a delight to the senses. But ever present was the great English class divide; such a gulf between the haves and the have-nots. But perserverance prevales and faith in God unpins the life in misery or joy. "

    - Hank, 2/7/2011
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " My favorite poet to date. "

    - Linda, 1/24/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " I understand that this book is a big joke, but there it is just not amusing enough in the end to be worth it. "

    - Manday, 11/20/2010
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " A lot of this went over my head. I mean the main character just reminded me of Job from the bible. Everything that could go wrong just kept happening. "

    - Kerri, 11/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " old old old book, but full of satire, irony etc. "

    - Deb, 10/1/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " The style of this book reminded me very strongly of Candide by Voltaire (though this was much more wholesome). I wonder if all books written in the 1700s come across sounding so stupid? "

    - Laura, 9/8/2010

About the Author

Oliver Goldsmith (1731–1774), an Irish-born poet, playwright, essayist, and novelist, was noted for his graceful and lively writing style and for being a member of Dr. Samuel Johnson’s literary circle. Among his best known works are The Vicar of Wakefield; The Deserted Village, a pastoral poem; and The Good-Natur’d Man, a play.

About the Narrator

David Thorn spent his childhood in the Channel Islands off the coast of France, was schooled in England, and then immigrated to the United States at the age of twenty-three. He is retired from international commerce and currently resides in California.