June 2015: Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

[RitaSkeeter]

Henry wrote: "I have been steadily but slowing working my way through it. I have got used to the over description and just tune out. [spoilers removed]

Oh regarding that over description. For those who read t..."

Oh dear lord, The Goldfinch. I wish I'd had some of Boris' vodka to help me get through that book.

[RitaSkeeter]

RebeccaS wrote: "I liked it, but didn't love it. There were very interesting parts [spoilers removed], but other parts that just dragged on. I like Bathsheba for the most part, but she makes the dumbest decisions..."

I still have another night, maybe two, left so will read your comments then.

[Lesley]

I like the character of Bathsheba as well. I agree she made some bad decisions and treated people badly at times. I guess I put this down to her lack of experience and young age.

[Lauri]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Hardy's descriptions of nature and pastoral life and how he merges the characters into the landscape. After reading one of his novels, I always want to take a trip to the English countryside.

I also like the character of Bathsheba. I agree with you Lesley, I chalk up her bad decision making to youth. She fell for the wrong man (Troy), I can not dislike her for that.

[RitaSkeeter]

I've finished, and I'm with you Lesley and Laurie - really enjoyed it. Perhaps not a five star from me, but a solid 4.5.

The relationship between (view spoiler)[ Bathsheba and Gabriel is a little different to what we usually see. It wasn't wildly passionate, or even a romantic love necessarily; it seemed built more on companionship. I dare say it was a happy marriage. (hide spoiler)]

@Rebecca - your spoiler re the travelling show - that was a bit bizarre and unexpected!

[Rebecca]

Rita *wants a quick quotes quill* Skeeter wrote: "I've finished, and I'm with you Lesley and Laurie - really enjoyed it. Perhaps not a five star from me, but a solid 4.5.

The relationship between [spoilers removed]

@Rebecca - your spoiler re the..."

Yes when I got to that part I was thinking "Wah...?? Where did this come from?" It really broke from the setting of the farm and I was just so thrown off by it.

[Henry]

Rita *wants a quick quotes quill* Skeeter wrote: "Oh dear lord, The Goldfinch. I wish I'd had some of Boris' vodka to help me get through that book. "

Indeed the Goldfinch was trying, several bazzilion pages too long, but I did enjoy Tartt's descriptions.

[Susie]

My e-audiobook version just became available from my library yesterday so I'll be reading it behind the rest of you, but still looking forward to it.

[RitaSkeeter]

Susie wrote: "My e-audiobook version just became available from my library yesterday so I'll be reading it behind the rest of you, but still looking forward to it."

Happy listening :) Feel free to add your thoughts as you go. The thread will stay open.

[RitaSkeeter]

It's nearly July, which means the new tri-monthly read is starting for those who like big books.

The July/August/September tri-monthly read is Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray.

The first thread can be found here for those interested in reading along: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Susie]

I really enjoyed this book and am surprised I was able to read it as quickly as I did. I bought the audio companion and did listen to parts of it, but I found myself preferring to read it. I love how Hardy writes, and story just flowed for me. There were a few slow parts and I started to think it was getting a little too crazy about 2/3 of the way through but the way he shed light on how all the characters ended up, was quite satisfying for me. I will definitely read more from him, including some of his poetry.

[Rebecca]

Susie wrote: "I really enjoyed this book and am surprised that I was able to read it as quickly as I did. I bought the audio companion and did listen to parts of it, but I found myself preferring to read it. I..."

I agree with you about the flow. It was easy to just read without stopping because it all went together so well.

[RitaSkeeter]

Susie wrote: "I really enjoyed this book and am surprised I was able to read it as quickly as I did. I bought the audio companion and did listen to parts of it, but I found myself preferring to read it. I love..."

Glad you like it Susie! I enjoyed it too :)

[Omaid]

*Warning: Possible Spoiler* I've just joined this group. And have read this book. I'd like to comment on the significance of Gabriel Oak's and Boldwood's name. The former's name hints that he is a person of good character, he is compassion, caring and is selfless. The origin of name Gabriel is from Judaism, Christianity and Islam, wherein Gabriel is considered as an angel. Oak as it is, a tree, hints at Gabriel's determination, his love for Bathsheba through out the novel remained the same. On the other hand, the latter's name perfectly describes his Boldness, he speaks straight to the point, he isn't flattering like Troy though, and he is stern as a wood. Persistent on somehow winning Bathsheba. To him, it's not really love, but obsession to possess what he wishes to. Let me know your opinion on this.