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Highly recommend this book for Thomas Hardy's magnificent glorious depiction of the English countryside and (idealised?) 19th century country life. A book that I also recommend should be read slowly. Yes it is verbose, but every word matters.
And then I'd also recommend the Oxford World Classics edition. Oxford World Classics put so much effort into their publications. The text was researched and sections restored that have been omitted from other contemporary editions. Copious explanatory notes ...more
And then I'd also recommend the Oxford World Classics edition. Oxford World Classics put so much effort into their publications. The text was researched and sections restored that have been omitted from other contemporary editions. Copious explanatory notes ...more
I love Thomas Hardy. He's so full of poetry and tragedy and fulfills my need to feel like I'm living in some English countryside. I found Bathsheba thoroughly irritating until I read this paragraph at the beginning of chapter 29:
'Bathsheba loved Troy in the way that only self-reliant women love when they abandon their self-reliance. When a strong woman recklessly throws away her strength she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away. One source of her inadequacy is ...more
'Bathsheba loved Troy in the way that only self-reliant women love when they abandon their self-reliance. When a strong woman recklessly throws away her strength she is worse than a weak woman who has never had any strength to throw away. One source of her inadequacy is ...more
I don't get along with Thomas Hardy's novel. Their tragedy, his women and the two pages long descriptions about cows are just not my thing (although I loved the paragraphs about sheep in this book). Even so I really enjoyed this one. It was a lot of fun and I tried not to be to judgy.
If you are looking for an unpredictable plot line this ain't one, but if you are looking for an interesting book to read (that happens to talk a lot about sheep) then we have a winner. Personally, I enjoyed it a lo ...more
If you are looking for an unpredictable plot line this ain't one, but if you are looking for an interesting book to read (that happens to talk a lot about sheep) then we have a winner. Personally, I enjoyed it a lo ...more
Lovely, charming, and at times, inspiring. Having watched the recent movie version, I was inspired to pick up the book. It's a rare experience when I can love a book so much after having seen the movies! It says a lot for the book. What shines in the book that is lacking in the movies are the wonderful secondary characters. Their lifestyle, their conversation, and their foibles. Another aspect of the book that was wondrous was the sweet faith and faithfulness of Gabriel and his rare heart. Not s
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Sep 19, 2011
Ray
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Oct 26, 2011
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Andre Mitchell
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Jeffner77
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Amanda
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Ellen Dreyer
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Emily
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