The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling
Gelesen von LibriVox Volunteers
Henry Fielding
(4,036 Sterne; 56 Bewertungen)
Tom Jones is considered one of the first prose works describable as a novel. The novel is divided into 18 smaller books. Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy genre popular in 18th-century Britain. However, Tom's status as a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social commentary. The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the plot was also original for its time, and also acted as the foundation for criticism of the book's "lowness." (Summary from Wikipedia) (36 hr 5 min)
Chapters
Bewertungen
Conrad Meaders
(3,5 Sterne)
The story can seem a little long winded at times; however, I enjoyed listening to it nonetheless. Most of the volunteers read well. There were a few that I could not bare to listen to. For those chapters, I resorted to reading the free PDF on the Guttenberg Press. There is an excellent BBC series on YouTube called The History of Tom Jones; however, I would recommend reading the book first.
Very Good Until Book 4, When Reader Changes
(3 Sterne)
I enjoyed this reading quite a bit, until the reader changed at Book Four. It became unlistenable. The new reader sounds as if she is might be ill with bronchitis or some throat ailment. Its probably her natural voice, but it is *not* pleasant for reading aloud. A shame, for there are no other treatments. Will not finish.
an Artefact
Jon Mark Wilson
(2,5 Sterne)
This unabridged novel is more an artefact of the 1700s than a must read classic. Fielding's introductions on literary criticism and other subjects are a window into the early cultural space of the English but do nothing for the narrative except add length. The repetitions of circular arguments and motives become wearisome as so little of the story advances. it is more valuable for the study of literature than as an entertainment on its own merit.
Greatly apt title for the novel
Mimansa Mahajan
(5 Sterne)
The book is just amazing. It has so many virtuous lessons, but at the same time teaches the strict need of prudence, for a peaceful life. It is so well written, that it generates curiosity and satisfaction. All the readers have done an amazing job. Many thanks to all of you, for such a valuable contribution to the world.
Enjoyed the Story
Jennifer A
(4 Sterne)
Most of the readers we're good. Some we're exceptional and a few we're terrible. So, if it was possible to rerecord over the poor readers I would give it 5 stars. At any rate, I enjoyed the book and will probably listen to it again. Thank you LibriVox.
Great audio for such a long book
Mary Havens
(3 Sterne)
Agreed: chapter 4 is not well recorded. Read that chapter or a summary online. I ended up abandoning the book due to some extremely disturbing comments about rape in track 53. Can't abide that.
Thank you to reviewer below's...
Michelle S
(5 Sterne)
funny discription. I jumped ahead to see what he was talking about. I love how strange people are, all of us. The whole thing gave me a good chukle. Thank you to all readers!
C
(5 Sterne)
All of the readers are acceptable, many very good and several outstanding. they're all to be commended for bringing to life a long, leisurely almost 300 years old.