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Two on a Tower Audiobook
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(3.42) - 66 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Thomas Hardy’s moving story of star-crossed lovers shows human beings at the mercy of forces beyond their control, setting a tragic drama of human passion against a backdrop of space and scientific discovery.
Unhappily married, Lady Constantine defies social standards when she falls in love with the youthful and socially inferior Swithin St. Cleeve. In an ancient monument converted into an astronomical observatory, they isolate themselves from society and create their own private universe—until the pressures of the outside world threaten to tear them apart.
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"I really liked this book about the forbidden love between Swithin, the 20 year old astronomer and Viviette, the much older woman of 29. The story is short in length but takes many different twists and turns making it a fun (maybe not quite the right word) and easy read. Although the author's writing could be quite descriptive, and sometimes lost on me, I also found him to be contemporary at the same time with mini cliffhangers drawing you so easily from one chapter to the next."
— Jane (4 out of 5 stars)
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“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.”
— AudioFile
Two on a Tower Listener Reviews
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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, 2/12/2014 -
" Interesting story but I wasn't crazy about the ending. "
— Myrna, 2/10/2014 -
" 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. "
— Gwen, 2/7/2014 -
" Thomas Hardy wrote a novel about astronomy. You might not have known that. And it's pretty good. "
— Justin, 1/28/2014 -
" I listened to this on audiobook. The story is very good, and Michael Kitchen does an excellent job narrating. "
— Elizabeth, 1/23/2014 -
" Simlar to A Pair of Blue Eyes. I loved it. "
— Mike, 12/31/2013 -
" 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. "
— Julia, 11/28/2013 -
" it is sad to read about a passionate love that does not endure, and then it is too late. "
— Elaine, 11/19/2013 -
" 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. "
— Susan, 11/2/2013 -
" 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. "
— April, 10/14/2013 -
" Viviette ruins herself for the love of a man 9 years younger than herself. "
— K', 8/6/2013 -
" My favorite author. No one writes landscape as a character like Hardy does. I think this one's my favorite of all his novels. "
— Melissa, 5/6/2013 -
" 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... "
— Serenity, 7/17/2012 -
" One of Hardy's earlier and lesser-known novels, but it's fascinating to see the ways his themes develop from work to work. "
— Genevieve, 10/3/2011 -
" 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. "
— Gavin, 8/17/2011 -
" Truly like watching a train wreck in slow motion. "
— Gloriavirtutisumbra, 6/8/2011 -
" Simlar to A Pair of Blue Eyes. I loved it. "
— Mike, 5/14/2011 -
" Simlar to A Pair of Blue Eyes. I loved it. "
— Mike, 5/14/2011 -
" it is sad to read about a passionate love that does not endure, and then it is too late. "
— Elaine, 11/1/2010 -
" it is sad to read about a passionate love that does not endure, and then it is too late. "
— Elaine, 11/1/2010 -
" 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... "
— Serenity, 10/25/2010 -
" 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... "
— Serenity, 10/25/2010 -
" My favorite author. No one writes landscape as a character like Hardy does. I think this one's my favorite of all his novels. "
— Melissa, 2/12/2010 -
" My favorite author. No one writes landscape as a character like Hardy does. I think this one's my favorite of all his novels. "
— Melissa, 2/12/2010 -
" 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. "
— Gavin, 11/24/2008 -
" 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. "
— Gavin, 11/24/2008 -
" One of Hardy's earlier and lesser-known novels, but it's fascinating to see the ways his themes develop from work to work. "
— Genevieve, 9/15/2008 -
" One of Hardy's earlier and lesser-known novels, but it's fascinating to see the ways his themes develop from work to work. "
— Genevieve, 9/15/2008 -
" 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. "
— April, 4/16/2008 -
" 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. "
— April, 4/16/2008 -
" Viviette ruins herself for the love of a man 9 years younger than herself. "
— K', 2/29/2008 -
" Viviette ruins herself for the love of a man 9 years younger than herself. "
— K', 2/29/2008
About Thomas Hardy
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.
About Wanda McCaddon
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.