This rambling classic of 18th-century literature is considered unreadable by many otherwise impeccably read literary connoisseurs. So is it more accessible as an audio? Abridged and, according to its editor, “shorn of some of the more far-fetched flights of fancy”, this version does manage to retain the complexity and depth — and the bawdy bits — of the seemingly disorganised memoir and philosophy of the eponymous hero. John Moffat, whose firm command of the convoluted sentences and darting digressions is worn lightly, has more than a touch of Martin Jarvis about his delivery, interpreting with wit and affection such characters as eccentric uncle Toby and the laughably dreadful Dr Slope. Thanks to him, I think I get it now.
(Naxos £16.99 CDs, 5 hours)