Ylhäisiä naisia

In these ten tightly woven vignettes Hardy turns his careful eye from the hard‑pressed farmers of his larger novels to the genteel world of Wessex’s aristocracy. Each piece introduces a different lady – from the proud first Countess of Wessex to the shy squire’s wife, from the marble‑loving Marchioness of Stonehenge to the impulsive Lady Penelope – offering a swift, intimate portrait of their hopes, rivalries and the quiet ways they shape their estates. The author lets the rolling hills and ancient stone circles of the south‑west linger in the background, letting the characters’ manners and whispered conversations echo the region’s timeless rhythm.

The stories are lighter in tone than Hardy’s celebrated farm narratives, yet they retain his characteristic blend of compassion and sharp social observation. Listeners will hear the rustle of silk, the clink of tea cups, and the undercurrent of longing that runs through each encounter, all delivered in Hardy’s richly descriptive prose. The collection offers a charming glimpse into a world where privilege and restriction walk hand‑in‑hand, making it a perfect short‑form listening experience.