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I really enjoy Hardy novels, no not the crime solving brother duo, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) English novelist. His stories can seem a bit melancholic, but I interpret the negative twists and turns in his plots to be more a reflection of the struggles of the times in which he wrote. I cannot imagine life being easy for the working class tending fields in the country or working 14 hour days in a city factory.

Hardy novels are often social commentary on the Victorian Era in which he lived. Unfortunately, most of his characters suffer as a result of society and its beliefs, and just to clue you in, rarely do even the main characters come out on top, they are at times lucky to make it to the last page alive.

My favorite novel of his, Far From the Madding Crowd is an exception. The story ends happily, for both of the main characters are still giving breath to the pages at the end. Maintaining his literary integrity though, Hardy throws in a couple of tragic situations, deaths, and one graveyard scene.

Please get past the fact that the female lead is named Bathsheba. You could not convince me it was popular in the 1800’s let alone outside the Old Testament. Not so coincidently, the male lead is named Gabriel. Therefore, I am convinced that someone out there in an English Literature class has written a paper analyzing the main characters vs. there biblical counterpart’s stories.

What I like most about the novel is the relationship between the two. Hardy makes them both intelligent and independent. He gives them the freedom to choose their own paths in this book. The characters are unique in that although Bathsheba has many faults (haughty and vain to name a few), you really cannot blame her for them. Given the situations she is in and the time period, they are easily rationalized. Gabriel is very much a stand up kind of guy. Not they fight a duel to the death type, but he is very respectable. At times it seems he has a been given a poor lot, but you feel he is determined to make the best of it.

In short, they are good for each other, perfect even, but you and they have to go through a couple of challenges in life (remember mention of a graveyard scene?)to realize that fact.

Note: Do not EVER read Jude, the Obscure. Honestly, it is just too depressing. I read on Wikipedia that ‘the note’ in the novel is from a real newspaper clipping. I know you are curious. Wikipedia it if you would like your day ruined.