Thomas Hardy

pog it

Cannot believe my luck in not having read any of Thomas Hardy's novels yet. Literally opened up 'Far from the madding crowd' and a couple of others in the Classics section of Easons and he is the author I have been waiting for.

Any other fans out there?

Denerick

Loved his poetry in secondary school. 'Far from the Madding Crowd' is sitting on my bookshelf at the moment, don't know if I should attempt to read it just yet.

Permabear

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pog it

Permabear wrote: »

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Excellent, just what I need in my time of over-optimism

Travel is good

I agree with Permabear. I loved "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" but found "Jude the Obscure" a bit of a struggle. I didn't read "Far from the Madding Crowd" yet, might put it on my To Be Read mountain of books.

emeraldstar

The only Hardy I've read is Far From the Madding Crowd - wasn't blown away to be honest!

pog it

emeraldstar wrote: »

The only Hardy I've read is Far From the Madding Crowd - wasn't blown away to be honest!

As a matter of interest what books have, to use your phrase, blown you away? We probably have different literary tastes but maybe not?

Galwaymother

Ooooh I love Thomas Hardy, one of the best English novelists in my opinion.

I adore Tess of the d'Ubervilles and I think it taught me a lot about the futility of idealistic love etc. when I was quite young. The descriptions of country life are so beautiful, I felt I was there milking cows even though I lived in central Paris! I'm wondering when I will propose (impose?!) it to my 12 year-old daughter... Soon enough I think.
The film version with Kinski is not half-bad either...

I even relished Jude the Obscure, its darkness suited my mood when I read it. I enjoyed the architectural aspect of it too.

I can't remember the different plots of his many novels (that I read), but I have enjoyed them all.
I'm envious you get to discover it all now!

Duffy the Vampire Slayer

Tess of the D'Urbervilles was spectacular. I must read some more of his work.

metrovelvet

I love love love Thomas Hardy.

Jude the Obscure, one of my favorite novels of all time.

cailinoBAC

I think even lesser Thomas Hardy is a cut above most other books. You always need to have the tissues handy though. A Pair of Blue Eyes is another...

Blush_01

Far From the Madding Crowd is one of my all-time favourite novels!

The Hand of Ethelberta is a bit random though...

pog it

Thanks so much for all the replies.. makes the world a better place knowing there are others out there who appreciate writers like him! And I did wonder.. how could you not in times like these.

UnLuckyAgain

Absolutely loved Tess of the D'Urbervilles - definitely one of my all time favourites.

Jude the Obscure has been sitting on my bookshelf for months collecting dust, half tempted to dig it out now.....or maybe i'll just re-read Tess

RubyRoss

Hardy is well worth the effort - Jude is certainly a depressing story, like Tess, but it's fantastic.

I've noticed more Hardy in second hand book-shops than any other author so I think the public at large are not so keen on him.

pog it

That's interesting Ruby. Can I ask what second shops did you see him in? I would rather buy an old copy if I can though they are cheap to buy new in Easons.

By the way I just can't bring myself to start reading him yet. Have planned to begin mid-July, just before the Parnell Square Protest on July 16th calling for a referendum on the bailout. Think I need to see something crack a bit before I can afford to read him..

RubyRoss

Well if you pog it down to Limerick or Kerry you will find Hardy in abundance. The second hand bookshop across the road from Easons has a lot too.

If you are planning a long drawn out protest - Hardy will get you through. A bit of Jude the Obscure will also give you plenty of fodder for considering the dashed hopes of idealistic youth in a corrupt city.

Tess should make you long for the simple days of farming...but that might be too prophetic.

majessticon

I love Hardy. I always think of him as like a favourite teacher at school; really passionate about his subject, but also able to be stern and keep control of things!

grocklecat

i like Hardy too, i think my favourite has to be The Mayor of Casterbridge.