Under the Greenwood Tree


Read by Rachel Lintern

(4.4 stars; 82 reviews)

This novel is subtitled The Mellstock Quire, A Rural Painting of the Dutch School. The Quire is the group of musicians who accompany the hymns at the local church and we follow the fortunes of one member, Dick Dewy, who falls in love with the new school mistress, Fancy Day.

Another element of the book is the battle between the traditional musicians of the Quire and the local vicar, Parson Maybold, who installs a church organ. This battle illustrates the developing technology being introduced in the Victorian era and its threat to traditional country ways.

The novel was published anonymously in 1872 and is often seen as Thomas Hardy's most gentle and pastoral novel. In 2005 Under the Greenwood Tree was adapted for a television version by Ashley Pharoah. (Summary by Rachel Lintern) (6 hr 44 min)

Chapters

Preface 6:38 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 1: Mellstock-Lane 8:07 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 2: The Tranter's 16:37 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 3: The Assembled Quire 15:44 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 4: Going the Rounds 15:12 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 5: The Listeners 12:31 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 6: Christmas Morning 16:12 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 7: The Tranter's Party 17:16 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 8: They Dance More Wildly 22:11 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the First - Winter - Chapter 9: Dick Calls at the School 5:00 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 1: Passing by the School + Chapter 2: A Meet… 13:29 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 3: A Turn in the Discussion 9:50 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 4: The Interview with the Vicar 23:20 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 5: Returning Home Ward 7:04 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 6: Yalbury Wood and the Keeper's House 23:12 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 7: Dick Makes Himself Useful 9:51 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Second - Spring - Chapter 8: Dick Meets His Father 14:51 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Third - Summer - Chapter 1: Driving out of Budmouth 10:36 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Third - Summer - Chapter 2: Further along the Road 13:26 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Third - Summer - Chapter 3: A Confession 12:29 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Third - Summer - Chapter 4: An Arrangement 6:42 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 1: Going Nutting 13:26 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 2: Honey-taking, And Afterwards 21:08 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 3: Fancy In The Rain 8:35 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 4: The Spell 9:54 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 5: After Gaining Her Point 9:39 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 6: Into Temptation 12:08 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fourth - Autumn - Chapter 7: Second Thoughts 10:21 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fifth - Conclusion - Chapter 1: 'The Knot There's No Untying' 26:21 Read by Rachel Lintern
Part the Fifth - Conclusion - Chapter 2: Under the Greenwood Tree 13:03 Read by Rachel Lintern

Reviews

A perfect recording


(5 stars)

This charming portrayal of a picturesque rural society, tinged with gentle humour and quiet irony, established Hardy as a writer. However, the novel is not merely a charming rural idyll. The double-plot, in which the love story of Dick Dewey and Fancy Day is inter-related with a tragic chapter in the history of Mellstock Choir, hints at the poignant disappearance of a long-lived and highly-valued traditional way of life. Many thanks to Mrs Lintern for her enlightened reading of Hardy’s novel and bravo to Mrs Golding for her singing. The recording will no doubt delight all fans of classic British literature.


(5 stars)

One of my favourite books brought beautifully to life by Rachel Lintern. Well done and Thank You.

Much to be recommended


(5 stars)

This early Hardy novels is not very well known and is certainly not of the calibre or gravity of his later works. But it is a delightful and fascinating tale nonetheless, and if you dislike the gloom of works like "Jude the Obscure" and "Tess," you should find this a pleasant surprise. The single reader is excellent all the way through the relatively short narrative. She really seems to enjoy the characters, and that kind of empathy is what makes for a splendid audiobook!

Excellent in Every Way


(5 stars)

The story is moving and shines a light on what technology, no matter how small, brings a change that affects many in ways both bad and good. It’s a tender love story as well which adds a genuineness to the outcome. Ruth Golding adds her singing talent to the melancholy ages old hymn in Book the First, Chapter 4 at the 11:38 mark. Simply fantastic narration as well.

Enjoyable


(5 stars)

Listening to this LibriVox recording was very enjoyable. The reader does an excellent job. She is one of my favorites. I would definitely recommend anyone to listen to this.

cute story, beautifully read


(3.5 stars)

Such a funny little tail, very detailed and dainty descriptive style of writing. The reader was fabulous!

under the greenwood tree


(3 stars)

The story well written, although lacking in plot. The reader is a 5.

Charming Tale


(5 stars)

Brilliantly read charming tale about the lives and doings of country folk