Classics > Thomas Hardy Classics

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: Very funny, enjoyable melodrama
Disadvantages: Not for everyone

Desperate Remedies was written in response to publishers who rejected Thomas Hardy’s first novel, a socio-political story called The Poor Man and The Lady (which was never published and the manuscript was later destroyed by Hardy; a great pity), who wanted a more sensationalist story without the political overtones. The result, although not considered one of Hardy’s best works, is a delightful Victorian melodrama that’s extremely entertaining. The ...
...but as she grows more desperate she is forced to advertise her services as a maid and is offered a job by the mysterious Miss Aldclyffe. Miss Aldclyffe is heiress to Knapwater, currently in possession of her elderly father. She is resolutely single and of an indeterminate age – she looks younger than she actually is and tries to obscure her true age. She takes a liking to Cytherea and sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Cytherea being ... 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: zzzzzzzzzz
Disadvantages: lots

I HATE this book. In my opinion it's the worst book I have ever read. Others may disagree about it. For example my mums work mate loves it :s. I have read it in this in English in September ad I am glad its over. The book is very complexed and confusing. You have to be a complete genius to understand what Thomas Hardy is babbling on about. (He is the writer.) This book is known as a classic and I don't like these type of books. I usually go for ...
...Lots of he chapters are of weird descriptions. They are completely pointless. For example Thomas hardy describes a sheep and goes on about it for 5 pages. IT'S A SHEEP. How much can you say about one? This book is so predictable you could basically guess what is going to happen from the being of the book. I did and I was right. The author is called Thomas hardy. He was born on the 2nd June in 1840 and died on 11th January 1928. In Dorchester, England. ... 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