The Vicar of Wakefield, Oliver Goldsmith
The Vicar of Wakefield, Oliver Goldsmith
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The Vicar of Wakefield

Author: Oliver Goldsmith

Narrator: Simon Hester

Unabridged: 7 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/26/2024

Synopsis

The Vicar of Wakefield, a novel by Oliver Goldsmith, first published in 1766, has long been regarded as a literary treasure of 18th-century English fiction. Though often simple in plot and unassuming in its narrative style, the novel reveals the depth of Goldsmith's genius and the charm of his storytelling, which has captivated readers across generations.The novel recounts the trials and tribulations of Dr. Charles Primrose, the vicar of the title, and his family. A man of virtuous character, the vicar's steadfast belief in providence and moral integrity is tested through a series of misfortunes—financial ruin, deception, and personal calamity. Yet, it is through these trials that the narrative explores themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the essential goodness of the human spirit. Goldsmith’s portrayal of the Primrose family, especially the vicar’s unwavering faith, serves as both a reflection of the virtues of 18th-century morality and an enduring commentary on human dignity.

About Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith (1731–1774), an Irish-born poet, playwright,
essayist, and novelist, was noted for his graceful and lively writing style and
for being a member of Dr. Samuel Johnson’s literary circle. Among his
best known works are The Vicar of
Wakefield; The Deserted Village,
a pastoral poem; and The Good-Natur’d Man,
a play.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Kj on April 24, 2009

You can't get very far into Victorian literature without tripping over references to The Vicar of Wakefield. Either the novel's heroine is reading the book, making fun of the book or trying to teach her French pupils how to translate the book. Oliver Goldsmith's 1766 novel is sort of the Moby Dick o......more

Goodreads review by Paul on November 23, 2021

This was pretty ridiculous but also kind of cool. There is a whole lot of bad things happening every five minutes to this preacher and his family but the motto is don’t worry be happy because five minutes later a guy will come in the room and say oh yeah like that person that you thought was dead we......more

Goodreads review by Gretchen on June 26, 2012

I know that this is a classic. I had it recommended to me at a very early age by Louisa May Alcott via Jo March and with that august endorsement did not ever think that it could be anything less than utterly charming. In spite of that, it has taken 45 years for me to get around to reading it and I wi......more

Goodreads review by Cindy on July 23, 2018

Our book club was looking for a light, classic, novel and I suggested this based on the good memories I had of reading it when I was younger. I am not sure how the younger girls in the club will rate this book but while I found it slow in getting started the delightful ending made up for it all. It......more

Goodreads review by Clif on February 07, 2017

Much like the Biblical story of Job but in a nineteenth century English setting, this tale of extreme misfortune suffered by an English vicar—followed in the end by the restoration of his former life—is a model for living through such extremes with exemplary alacrity. The vicar is described as a nat......more

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