"I'm afraid Dick's a lost man," said the tranter. "There's too many o' them looks out of the winder without noticing anything: too much shining of boots -- too much looking at the clock: telling about clever things She did till you be sick of it, and then upon a hint to that effect a horrible silence about her. I've walked the path once in my life and know the country, neighbors; and Dick's a lost man!"
"If we be doomed to marry, we marry; if we be doomed to remain single we do," replied Dick.
Three months had elapsed since Dick and Fancy had journeyed together from Budmouth, and the course of their love had run on vigorously during the whole time. There had been just enough difficulty attending its development, and just enough finesse required in keeping it private, to lend the passion an ever-increasing freshness on Fancy's part, whilst whether from these accessories or not, Dick's heart had been at all times as fond as could be desired. But there was a cloud on Fancy's horizon.
"How much you are to me depends upon how much I am to you," she said in low tones.
Happy Reading!
P.S. This book counts as my 19th Century Classic for Karen's 2019 Back to the Classics Challenge. But I'm kind of wishing I'd stuck to my original plan and read Return of the Native instead. Oh, well. Maybe next time.
Two other Hardy reviews:
The only Hardy I've read is The Mayor of Casterbridge. It is worth a look--an intriguing plot and well-developed characters. I always planned to read more Hardy, but never did.
ReplyDeleteThat is a Hardy novel I still need to read! I also need to read Far From the Madding Crowd. Sigh. I should have a Thomas Hardy readathon next June and finally read them all.
DeleteI usually love Thomas Hardy's books, but I agree with you about this one. Dick and Fancy weren't very strong characters and I didn't really care what happened to them either. I did like the descriptions of the village community and country life, though.
ReplyDeleteUsually it's Hardy's characters that make his books so memorable for me, but these two were shallow nothings. Still, his writing is always good. :)
DeleteI've only read Tess, which I LOVED. I definitely need to read more Hardy - actually, I need to read more classics :)
ReplyDeleteI love Tess of the D'Urbervilles, too! :)
DeleteI find Hardy difficult reading for some reason and have only managed Under the Greenwood Tree and A Pair of Blue Eyes - and I see from my notes that I read both of those in 1997. I have to admit that I haven't been tempted since, but maybe I should take another look because it's a shame not to have read Tess.
ReplyDeleteTess was my first encounter with Hardy and is still my favorite of his novels; although The Well-Beloved is a close second. :)
DeleteI have not read anything by Hardy, although I have been wanting to read Tess.
ReplyDeleteYou should give him a try someday. :)
DeleteWhen one loves an author, even the lesser works are worth reading I think! I've not tried any Hardy yet, however. I was considering one of his titles for the Back to the Classics category "Read a Tragic Classic".
ReplyDeleteHe certainly has several novels that fit that category! :)
DeleteI have never read Thomas Hardy, he is one of the classics authors that intimidates me a bit. And I've probably heard too much about all the tragedy :)
ReplyDeleteI found Hardy really intimidating when I first tried him, but not so much any more. Do you think that means I've grown as a reader? ;D
DeleteI always hear that this is the book to read if you want to read Hardy but don't want his heavy-hand with tragedy, but it just doesn't sound all that interesting...and your review confirms that perception. Good review of what sounds like a rather mediocre novel.
ReplyDeleteI'd probably recommend any of his other books over this one; at least it was short and a pretty quick read.
DeleteThat's too bad! A good, but happy Thomas Hardy seems a pretty difficult combination to achieve... ;-)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think he's better at deep and tragic. :)
DeleteHardy is someone I haven't read yet but want to, He's a great writer. I'm thinking Tess of the Ubervilles might be the way to go because its one of his best books. I understand he's a rather depressing writer but that's okay and I have also heard he does wonderful dipictions of nature.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to read Hardy, definitely read Tess of the D'Urbervilles! It is definitely sad, but I think it's Hardy's best.
DeleteYay for not having a tragic ending, I hate those! But boo for not having well-developed characters. It's hard to truly love a book without having characters with some depth. Wonderful review, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteCharacters make or break a book for me, that's for sure. :)
DeleteWe have a section of this read in the Christmas Eve crib service every year, but that is the closest I've got to it! I have mixed success with Hardy, but should try more.
ReplyDeleteYou probably read the best part. ;D I've liked most of the other Hardy novels that I've read. But I have not read them all, that's for sure. Thanks for commenting!
DeleteThose are nice excerpts. I have not read any Thomas Hardy novels. Not even in college! One of these days...
ReplyDeleteWell, when you decide to read one of his books, don't start with this one. :D
DeleteWell, I plan to read this one next year. I'm a huge Hardy fan, so I hope this one will not be too disappointing. His writing style is was really draws me, anyway, as his characters can be frustrating. So I'll give it a try and see what happens.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to hearing what you think of this one!
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