Tess of the d'Urbervilles (AmazonClassics Edition)

I've listened to many classics, but 'Tess' has stayed with me like few others. Hardy's storytelling is masterful, his exploration of Tess's descent into tragedy both compelling and heartbreaking. Esther Wane is a revelation as Tess, her narration nuanced and emotive. She captures Tess's spirit beautifully, from her initial innocence to her hard-won wisdom. The pacing is steady, allowing Hardy's prose to unfold naturally, and the production is clean and unobtrusive. My only critique is that some of the supporting characters, particularly Angel Clare, could have been more fully fleshed out. But this is a minor quibble in an otherwise outstanding audiobook.