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Summary: A story of patience
Review: Though I have never read Thomas Hardy before, I shall again very soon. I greatly enjoyed Far From the Madding Crowd. I kept associating Bathsheba, the heroine, with Scarlett O'Hara. They are both women from the past who are struggling for a place where only men typically tread. Unlike Scarlett, Bathsheba's emotions are more restrained. She's so young, but matures through the book. The reader yearns for the day she finally matures to the point that realizes she needs a partner in life, and her perfect partner is Gabriel Oak, her steadfast mate of fate.I definitely recommend this book for one of those cold rainy weekends curled up on the couch. I am looking forward to diving into my next Thomas Hardy novel, Jude the Obscure.
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Summary: Hardy's Genius - "Far From the Madding Crowd"
Review: Want to leave for England without ever heading for the airport? Well, Hardy's "Far From the Madding Crowd" is for you. Hardy brilliantly portrays England and creates his imaginary town of Wessex, England. While reading, you'll notice the rolling hills and the bright green pastures that only England has to offer. Scenery is not the only element Hardy invents, his characters seem to live and breath just as you and I. They are so much alive, in fact, that you feel like shaking Bathsheba into making her realize that Gabriel Oak is the only one for her. However, like all of Hardy's novels, they include dispair, hatred, and love. "Far From the Madding Crowd" has an interesting twist though! Unlike most of Hardy's works, "Far From the Madding Crowd" ends happily, but only after much dispair and feelings of hopelessness.
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Summary: What a great book!
Review: We found this book to be insightful and intereting, and it is by far the best book that we have read for our honors class so far. We were especially pleased with the happy ending. The characters were all very original and distinct. We recommend this book to those who like slightly slow moving romances.
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