This is the seventh novel by Thomas Hardy that I've read. If you've seen the movie, then you know that the two main characters are Bathsheba Everdene and Gabriel Oaks. Of the two, I thought Gabriel was the easiest to like. He's a simple, hardworking, unpretentious farmer when he first meets and proposes marriage to Bathsheba. But then his fortunes change, as do hers, and she ends up owning her uncle's large farm while Gabriel ends up working for her as her shepherd. There is no guile in Gabriel. He's solid and and steady and honest, though not exciting or handsome enough to tempt Bathsheba.
As for Bathsheba, she's a more complicated character. She's young and pretty and a little vain. She's also independent, spirited, and determined to hold her own in what is essentially a man's world. I admired her daring in deciding to run her uncle's farm on her own, but her youthful vanity made her do things at times that I didn't love, like when she sends an anonymous valentine to the handsome bachelor Farmer Boldwood to tease him just because he had the temerity not to notice her at the market-house. I guess there's nothing that draws a woman's attention like a man's indifference, at least in Thomas Hardy's world. Of course, when Boldwood then falls feverishly in love with her and asks her to marry him, Bathsheba finds she must refuse him because she does not love him back.
Sergeant Troy finishes the triangle of suitors encircling Bathsheba. He's handsome and charming and full of flattery. "He was perfectly truthful towards men, but to women lied like a Cretan." He also has another girl he's in love with, but he can't seem to stay away from beautiful Bathsheba. And Bathsheba, unable to resist his attentions, finds herself foolishly falling in love for the very first time. More drama then ensues.
Almost all of the Thomas Hardy novels I've read seem to have a tragic ending, but while many tragic events do occur in this novel, there's actually a happy ending for both Bathsheba Everdene and Gabriel Oaks. Which made me like this one even more. Hardy's descriptive powers are also on full display in this novel. I like the way he writes, but sometimes his descriptions do slow down the narrative. Still, I'm very glad I finally read this one. Far From the Madding Crowd was first published in 1874 and counts as my 19th Century Classic for Karen's Back to the Classics Challenge.
Happy Reading!
Other Hardy novels I've reviewed on my blog:
My three favorite Hardy novels:
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This has been on my wishlist forever. Must get it.
ReplyDeleteIt had been on my TBR list forever, too. I've always liked the title, but kept putting off reading it for some reason. I'm glad I finally read it. And I did like it. :)
DeleteI tried to read The Woodlanders but just couldn't get on with it. Thus I tend to think I don't get on with Hardy but I did read an excerpt from A Pair of Blue Eyes where a man fell over a cliff in Cornwall that had me on the edge of my seat. So maybe I just need the right book?
ReplyDeleteI don't think The Woodlanders is one of Hardy's best books, and his writing style does tend more towards lots of description and introspection which doesn't work for everyone. But I've loved several of his books, even though they tend to have a sad ending. IF you do try him again, maybe try Tess, or Two on the Tower, or even this one. You might like those books better.
DeleteWant to check it out. Regine
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
:D Hope you get a chance to.
DeleteNever saw the movie or even heard of it. It does sound like a lot of romantic drama. At least there's a happy ending! You're chipping away at your Classics Challenge, Lark! :)
ReplyDeleteI am chipping away at my Classics; I've read six and have six more to go. And I think Far From the Madding Crowd would definitely qualify as a romantic drama...from 1874. :)
DeleteI enjoyed this one too and loved Gabriel. I see The Well-Beloved is one of your favourites - I haven't read that one yet, so I'll look forward to it!
ReplyDeleteGabriel was so easy to like and root for! And there was just something about The Well-Beloved that I ended up really liking. I can't even explain why now. :D
DeleteHi Lark, Very good description of this classic novel. Thomas Hardy is a great writer I haven't read yet but I really want to. I have heard Tess of the Ubervilles and Jude the Obscure are his best novels. I am torn though about which book to choose.
ReplyDeleteI love both Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Jude the Obscure. And I do think Hardy is at his best in those novels, but they also have very sad endings, unlike Far From the Madding Crowd. So, it's all what you're in the mood for.
DeleteI've never read this author and always sorta wondered what it was all about. Sounds like a compelling story!
ReplyDeleteParts of this one are a little slow, especially at the beginning, but once it gets going, and especially at the end, it is a pretty compelling story.
DeleteThis is one of my favourite Hardy's. Have you read The Mayor of Casterbridge? It's not as popular as some of his others but it's an excellent character study & a great read.
ReplyDeleteThat comment was from me :) Carol @journeydestination
ReplyDeleteI have not read The Mayor of Casterbridge, though I did see a version of it on PBS with Ciaran Hinds. I still need to read that one and Return of the Native. And sorry about the stupid comment box. I don't know why it defaults to Anonymous instead of to a Google Account or to a Name and URL. But it's annoying.
DeleteYes, for some reason it's happening every time I go to comment on blogger, even though I've logged in to my account.
DeleteFrustrating! When you comment, is there a place above the box that says Anonymous with a little gray arrow beside it? Because if there is, click on the arrow and see if it gives you the option of a Google Account or Name/URL. Fingers crossed that works!
DeleteI've wanted to read this, I"m so glad you enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt started off a little slow, but I'm glad I stuck with it; Gabriel is a really great character.
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that you liked this one, and that it had a happy ending. I haven't read it, but I'd like to one of these days. :)
ReplyDeleteYou can also check out the movie version of it! That's what I'm doing this weekend. :)
DeleteI remember liking this one. It's nice he isn't always tragic, isn't it? Because it does seem pretty rare...
ReplyDeleteThe books he's most known for do have pretty tragic endings. It was a nice surprise to find out this one ended happier. :)
Deletelife full of tragic in some points...
ReplyDeletethank you sharing review of good book
Very true! Thanks for commenting. :)
DeleteThis is one that's been on my TBR forever, but I admit I was just captivated by the title! Glad to finally know a bit of what it's about. I've only read one Hardy so far- Tess of D'Urbervilles, and I really did like it.
ReplyDeleteTess of the D'Urbervilles is still my favorite Hardy. I was drawn to this one because of the title, too. I don't know that it fits the story, but I liked the story all the same. :)
DeleteI think every book of his I've read has left me a sobbing mess, lol.
ReplyDeleteYes! Most of his books are really sad. I was happily surprised to discover that this one is not quite so tragic.
DeleteI've only read Jude the Obscure and Far From the Madding Crowd, but I hope to read this one someday.
ReplyDeleteJude the Obscure is a favorite of mine; it's sad, but so good.
DeleteDefinitely my favorite Hardy. Wonderful review. I do like Hardy's pastoral descriptions. I think the slowing down gives a good feel for the world he is creating.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point; his descriptions do really match the feel of that world. And I really loved Gabriel in this one. He's such a great character.
DeleteI read several books by Hardy when I was younger (college?) and this was probably one of them. But I have forgotten them all. I do want to read more by Hardy.
ReplyDeleteI was in college when I first became aware of Thomas Hardy; I saw a really good movie version of Tess of the D'Urbervilles, and I've been slowly working my way through his books ever since. I've read seven now, and hope to read Return of the Native next. :)
DeleteThat's great you've read so much of Hardy. Bathsheba seems like she has her share of suitors!
ReplyDeleteShe certainly does! But does she deserve them all? ;D
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