The Mayor of Casterbridge

Thomas Hardy

A rash decision made under the influence of alcohol affects a man in a myriad of ways throughout...more

A rash decision made under the influence of alcohol affects a man in a myriad of ways throughout the remainder of his life as well as those of other characters whose lives entwine his. To some readers, this one included, the swirling plot twists, although initially interesting, may become somewhat tedious towards the second half of the novel's 380+ pages. Modern readers, unless experienced lovers of the classics, may find the typical Hardy detailed descriptions of pastoral scenes and older-style dialogue difficult to relate to and to wade through.   hide

This novel probably suffers in my appraisal because of the fact it was a set text in my GCSEs and...more

This novel probably suffers in my appraisal because of the fact it was a set text in my GCSEs and not being so thoroughly in love with the language as I am now, the charms of this book escaped me, and my memory shall sadly forever be taunted as such. It's not that this is a bad book, as can be vouchsafed from the other reviews, but Henchard is such an idiot that he doesn't really deserve our pity. Except...except the bit with the bird, the first time I'd been blown away by sadness in literature. It is that alone which made this worth the slog for me, and why I can now rate it as a like, but not yet a love.   hide

It's a story of a man's life. Henchard can't be blamed for his downfall; he can't really be given...more

It's a story of a man's life. Henchard can't be blamed for his downfall; he can't really be given credit for his success. Passion draws him along a course. Elizabeth-Jane might be smarter in resigning herself to life, but that doesn't help her. It's difficult to find a philosophical theme; it's difficult to find one in life. The story happens in a little farming town in England surrounded by Roman ruins, and the town, which may or may not be a metaphor, is described in sidenotes mixed in the narrative.    hide

One of the most extraordinary novels written in the English language, and a worthy inheritor of the...more

One of the most extraordinary novels written in the English language, and a worthy inheritor of the tradition of Sophocles and Shakespeare--but in novel form. At once exciting, heartbreaking and immensely entertaining, there is no better demonstration of the power of karma and the futility of trying to control one's surroundings and manipulate one's loved ones.    hide

It was my GCSE set text (way way back in the day). Despite (or inspite of) that, I really loved...more

It was my GCSE set text (way way back in the day). Despite (or inspite of) that, I really loved it, especially the pace and plot twists. Knowing it was serialised makes sense of the cliffhangers at the end of each chapter. It really was a soap opera of it's day. Prompted me to go on to read Tess of the D'Urbefields, Jude the Obscure and The Woodlanders.    hide