Far from the Madding Crowd (Modern Library Classics)

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Summary: Adventure, Love, Anger, and Happiness
Review: Thomas Hardy writes about adventure, romance, anger, and sheer happiness in Far From the Madding Crowd. The story takes place in the beautiful England countryside. From the beginning of the story the reader can tell that in some way or another, Bathsheba and Gabriel Oak will come together as a couple. The story is a good book because just when you think you know what will happen next, some other event will take place, that will cahnge your prediction.
Gabriel, the strong, patient, and chivalry-like character falls in love with a beautiful girl he meets. Before he took time to think towards the beginning of the book, he sees a fire on a farm and immediately rushes to put it out. This shows his courageous side. Bathsheba, as the total opposite if Gabriel Oak, is weaker than she likes to admit. This is shown when she finds out about the affair of her husband, Troy. As a result from her knowledge, she goes into what seems to be a mental breakdown.
In the book the reader either really loves the characters or really despises them. Gabriel is hard not to like. Again with his strong, patient, and chivalry-like characteristics, it makes every girl want to meet a guy who is actually like him. The total opposite in the book is Sergeant Troy, the antagonist of the novel. In a way he seems really whiney and likes to have his own way. It seems that he was put on Earth just to create havoc between peaceful people. Throughout the book his character flaws unfold, making him an unlikable character.
I would highly recommend the book. In some way or another it reaches out to anyone who will read it. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, it still has a few twists and turns to set the reader off. The book teaches the reader a lesson-that love can conquer all. Through all their trials and tribulations, I think that all characters and readers discover this in the book.