Life's Little Ironies; A Set Of Tales With Some Colloquial Sketches Entitled A Few Crusted Characters


Read by David Wales

(4.6 stars; 34 reviews)

Life's Little Ironies is a collection of eighteen short stories by renowned author Thomas Hardy, exploring the complexities of human nature and the often ironic twists of fate. Set against the backdrop of rural England, these tales delve into the lives of ordinary people, revealing their struggles, aspirations, and the unexpected turns their lives take.

Hardy's keen observations and rich characterizations bring to life a world where love, loss, and societal expectations collide. Each story presents a unique scenario, highlighting the fragility of happiness and the unpredictability of life. With a blend of humor and melancholy, Hardy invites listeners to reflect on the ironies that shape our existence.

Through this collection, Hardy showcases his mastery of storytelling, offering a poignant commentary on the human condition. Whether you are familiar with his work or new to his writing, Life's Little Ironies provides a thought-provoking experience that resonates with the complexities of life.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Story 1 The Son's Veto 39:04 Read by David Wales
Story 2 For Conscience's Sake 42:55 Read by David Wales
Story 3 A Tragedy Of Two Ambitions, Chapters 1-2 22:31 Read by David Wales
Story 3 A Tragedy Of Two Ambitions, Chapters 3-5 39:18 Read by David Wales
Story 4 On The Western Circuit, Chapters 1-3 28:11 Read by David Wales
Story 4 On The Western Circuit, Chapters 4-6 33:15 Read by David Wales
Story 5 To Please His Wife 43:16 Read by David Wales
Story 6 The Melancholy Hussar Of The German Legion 46:23 Read by David Wales
Story 7 The Fiddler Of The Reels 46:26 Read by David Wales
Story 8 A Tradition Of Eighteen Hundred And Four 17:11 Read by David Wales
Story 9 A Few Crusted Characters 10:19 Read by David Wales
Story 10 A Few Crusted Characters: Tony Kytes, The Arch Deceiver 20:55 Read by David Wales
Story 11 A Few Crusted Characters: The History Of The Hardcomes 23:57 Read by David Wales
Story 12 A Few Crusted Characters: The Superstitious Man's Story 9:40 Read by David Wales
Story 13 A Few Crusted Characters: Andrey Satchel And The Parson And Clerk 18:39 Read by David Wales
Story 14 A Few Crusted Characters: Old Andrey's Experience As A Musician 5:35 Read by David Wales
Story 15 A Few Crusted Characters: Absent-Mindedness In A Parish Choir 7:44 Read by David Wales
Story 16 A Few Crusted Characters: The Winters And The Palmleys 21:01 Read by David Wales
Story 17 A Few Crusted Characters: Incident In The Life Of Mr. George Crookhill 10:57 Read by David Wales
Story 18 A Few Crusted Characters: Netty Sargent's Copyhold 16:03 Read by David Wales

Reviews

Nice!


(5 stars)

The short stories are interesting and most certainly highlight some ironies in life. It’s a nice break from longer more detailed books. The narration is superb.

pretty good


(5 stars)

Wonderfully read. the stories were entertaining, but I like WEssex Tales better, and neither compare to Jude the Obscure.

Hardy short stories master, on country characters


(5 stars)

Good stuff from wonderful volunteer reader with perfect timbre.

As usual,delightful prose. excellent reader too. thank ypu.


(5 stars)