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Read for Victober 2017.
I have a comparison to make. Early this year I finally read John Steinbeck and fell in love. I quickly named him my literary crush and set about to read everything he had ever written. As I delved into his books (both fiction and non-fiction) I discovered a man with a true understanding of humanity and what makes us think and feel. I adore Steinbeck. I will reread some of his books many times because they are so deep, nuanced, and they resonate with my mind and heart.
Thoma ...more
I have a comparison to make. Early this year I finally read John Steinbeck and fell in love. I quickly named him my literary crush and set about to read everything he had ever written. As I delved into his books (both fiction and non-fiction) I discovered a man with a true understanding of humanity and what makes us think and feel. I adore Steinbeck. I will reread some of his books many times because they are so deep, nuanced, and they resonate with my mind and heart.
Thoma ...more
Nov 09, 2018
Kristel
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
1001-books,
1001-challenge
This book is beautifully written and is more of a character driven story than a plot driven. Henchard in a episode of drunkenness auctions of his wife and daughter. Takes a vow to never drink for 21 years to make amends for what he has done. He becomes a successful businessman and is made Mayor of the town of Casterbridge. Into his life enters a Scotsman that he loves, his wife and her daugher, Elizabeth-Jane. Of course there is also the "other woman".
I especially enjoyed the first pictures tha ...more
I especially enjoyed the first pictures tha ...more
This is my second reading and it has lost none of its power. Those familiar with Hardy will know what to expect: rash actions, missed opportunities and the strange workings of fate (or chance depending upon your point of view) that lead to a series of tragedies each more painful than the one before.
(Minor) SPOILERS AHEAD
The market town of Casterbridge is vivid and so clear that the reader feels as if she were living there alongside Henchard, Elizabeth-Jane, Farfrae and the rest. These are people ...more
(Minor) SPOILERS AHEAD
The market town of Casterbridge is vivid and so clear that the reader feels as if she were living there alongside Henchard, Elizabeth-Jane, Farfrae and the rest. These are people ...more
Though as sad as other Hardy's books, "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is much more than just being sad. There's a profound inquiry in the book about human life.
Different from Tess, Henchard is not necessarily a victim of social prejudice, but his own character which he has no power to overcome (though he tried hard and in the end he was indeed a better man). And precisely because of this, Hardy seemed to believe that human tragedy is inevitable.
The last quarter of the book really got me into the s ...more
Different from Tess, Henchard is not necessarily a victim of social prejudice, but his own character which he has no power to overcome (though he tried hard and in the end he was indeed a better man). And precisely because of this, Hardy seemed to believe that human tragedy is inevitable.
The last quarter of the book really got me into the s ...more
Apr 20, 2020
Diane
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
1001,
classics,
lifetime-reading-plan,
guardian-1000,
1001-done,
19th-century,
favorites,
victorian,
2020-reads,
western-canon
Mar 23, 2012
Mekki
marked it as to-read
Feb 14, 2014
Hallie (Hallie Reads)
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
owned-books
Jan 25, 2016
Kyle Mahoney
marked it as to-read
Jun 17, 2017
Yvonne
marked it as to-read
