A BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation by Jon Sen of Thomas Hardy's tragic tale of star-crossed lovers in the West Country. 'Two on a Tower' is Hardy's ninth novel and contains perhaps his most complete treatment of the theme of love across the class and age divide, and also the fullest expression of his fascination with astronomy and science. This story of passion and sacrifice begins when Lady Viviette Constantine discovers the handsome young astronomer Swithin St Cleeve on the lonely tower on her estate.
Starring Maggie O'Neill as Lady Constantine, Blake Ritson as Swithin St Cleeve, Conrad Nelson as Parson Torkingham and with Amy Humphreys, Stephen Tomlin, Pauline Jefferson, Richard Heap and Carter Dowland. Directed by Stefan Escreet.
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"What a love story. I found it amusing ( and a bit frightening) that society has come so far in scandalous love affairs. Wow, a guy talked to girl and everyone is all aflutter! I have to admit, the book was a bit dramatic and the ending was just unbelievable, but I enjoyed the book." — Cherie (4 out of 5 stars)
"What a love story. I found it amusing ( and a bit frightening) that society has come so far in scandalous love affairs. Wow, a guy talked to girl and everyone is all aflutter! I have to admit, the book was a bit dramatic and the ending was just unbelievable, but I enjoyed the book."
" Not Thomas Hardy's best book, but an interesting tale for sure of the complexities of love and relationships and the cosmos. While taking place about a century ago, it's emotions still ring true today. "
" Viviette ruins herself for the love of a man 9 years younger than herself. "
" it is sad to read about a passionate love that does not endure, and then it is too late. "
" Simlar to A Pair of Blue Eyes. I loved it. "
" One of Hardy's earlier and lesser-known novels, but it's fascinating to see the ways his themes develop from work to work. "
" It's Thomas Hardy and astronomy. How could it not be one of my favorites? It's a little silly in places, and the ending is INFURIATING, but I love it all the same. "
" Early Hardy, good for those, like me, who are determined to read all 14 of the novels. Read "Under the Greenwood Tree" instead if you are new to Thomas. "
" My favorite author. No one writes landscape as a character like Hardy does. I think this one's my favorite of all his novels. "
" Thomas Hardy wrote a novel about astronomy. You might not have known that. And it's pretty good. "
" I listened to this on audiobook. The story is very good, and Michael Kitchen does an excellent job narrating. "
" Oh what a tangled web we weave, when at first we practice to deceive. The story line kept me interested, but so many of the twists and turns were hard to accept, and the ending was unsatisfying. "
" Interesting story but I wasn't crazy about the ending. "
" A sometimes overlooked Hardy that was really quite exceptional in its own way. There's not as much drama as in some of his other works, but it is a worthwhile read nevertheless. "
" 3/10. Basically, this book was plain unteresting. The romance felt unbelievable and filled with teenage-angst. The protagonists are immature and unlikeable. The writing unimaginative (not bad, but I dislike reading "classic" literature styles of writing). The ending...? WTF... "
Thomas Hardy (1840–1928), English poet, dramatist, and novelist, was born on the Egdon Heath in Dorset. He studied in Dorchester and apprenticed to an architect before leaving for London, where he began to write. Unable to find a public for his poetry, which idealized the rural life, he turned to the novel and met with success as well as controversy. The strong public reaction against some of his darker themes turned him back to writing verse. Today several of his novels are considered masterpieces of tragedy.
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