Classics > T Classics > Thomas Hardy

Advantages: Passionate, unique
Disadvantages: The ending isn't as 'satisfying' as it could be

Two On A Tower must be one of the most under-rated of Thomas Hardy's novels. Whilst it's not perhaps the same standard as Tess of the D'Urbervilles and The Woodlanders, it's still a fantastic novel and it's a shame that most people have never heard of it. It's hard to compare it to Hardy's better-known works, as I can't quite put my finger on all the differences - the passion and realism is still there, but in a different way than it is in Jude The ...
...the age-old love story between two people whose circumstances presents a social barrier, in this case class and an older woman being the issues, but Hardy's skill elevates it. The novel was written in 1882, ten years after Hardy's first published novel, and his experience already shows. Some writers are simply a pleasure to read and, in my opinion, Hardy is one of them: his descriptions are excellent, his characters are sometimes painfully human ... Read review

Advantages: wonderful imagery
Disadvantages: not long enough

...of a bygone era of harsh and yet unrivaled beauty in the countryside. I was also struck by the amount of devotion Tess had to the people she loved. A must read, especially for 20 something females! I will never judge a book by the blurb on the back again!!!! ... Read review

Advantages: Compelling page turner
Disadvantages: a basic knoledge of 19th century England helps

The Mayor of Casterbridge is an excellent introduction to reading classical literature. The novel concentrates on Henchard - the Mayor - and his decline in fortunes following the reappearance of his wife and daughter who he had sold to another man 20 years previously. The descriptions of both character and scenery are colourful and evocative and it is easy to feel transported into Hardy's world. The plot is full of twists and almost every chapter ...
...plot regarding the misfortune of Henchard sometimes evokes sympathy and sometimes contempt. Henchard's daughter, displays all that is opposite to him and makes for an interesting contrast in characterization. I would recommend this book to anyone who felt unsure of whether classical literature is for them. This is certainly a book for everyman - or woman. ... Read review

Advantages: A lovely story and typical beautiful Hardy prose
Disadvantages: It took me a while to get into it

...in my school library at the tender age of 13, I can understand that his novels can be difficult to read. I found this with Return Of The Native: I stumbled through the first chapters wondering if it was really worth the effort as it seemed to lack promise and was at times, quite frankly, rather boring. I'm pleased to say that I needn't have worried. The novel turned out to be beautiful, poetic and tragic - everything I've come to hope for and expect ...
...modern life (from adultery to the proverbial mother-in-law), despite its quaint nineteenth century rural setting. Hardy has a great talent for observing and analysing people and relationships, a talent which is used by creating his complex characters and communities, a lot of which is still relevant today. As I kept reading and just tried to enjoy the novel, as opposed to trying to second-guess it and compare it to others, I fell in love with it. ... Read review

Advantages: Discover a great story of friendship and hardship
Disadvantages: Read it and you will know

...book is about the struggles of two very contrasting yet likeable charactors in the duo George and Lennie. They are two out of work and out of luck men in the depression period in the USA. They do everything together, work eat sleep everything. They even share the same dream of owning their own ranch where they can work for themselves. A thoroughly enjoyable book which I am glad that I bought, definitely surprised me more than once and especially ... Read review