About this book
A Laodicean: a Story of To-day by Thomas Hardy invites listeners into a sharp, ironic romance set against the shifting social landscape of late-Victorian England. Hardy’s keen eye for character and setting paints Wessex manor houses, architectural curiosities, and the uneasy meeting of tradition and modern taste.
The novel follows intertwined lives and suitors as questions of inheritance, art, and personal conviction fuel romantic tensions and social satire. Themes include the decline of old rural orders, the allure of modern ideas, and the uncertain place of love and marriage at the turn of the century. Hardy balances breezy dialogue with his trademark moral observation, offering both witty moments and quietly serious reflection on choices made “to-day.” The narrative captures the period’s anxieties about progress and authenticity without sacrificing warmth or human detail.
Ideal for fans of classic literature, Victorian fiction, and thoughtful romantic stories, this audiobook will appeal to listeners who appreciate character-driven narratives, social critique, and evocative period atmosphere. Listen if you enjoy Thomas Hardy’s Wessex tales, romances that probe deeper social questions, or literary novels that pair emotional depth with historical insight.
