Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy 3 stars

[Blueberry]

This was a long read for me. Partly because I was reading an downloaded version from Gutenberg.org which had little punctuation beyond periods. Reciprocal dialogue was all combined into big paragraphs and so it wasn't often clear who was talking. BUT then I downloaded it free with my Kindle app onto my Nook and reading became a lot easier...and more enjoyable.
I worry about giving anything away in reviews so this is from the beginning and sets up the whole story. Boy sees girl and falls immediately in love with her and proposes. (How does that even happen? in like ever classic I've ever read.) Girl says no. Then there is a reversal of fortunes for both characters. And more falling in love at first sight incidences. There are some jerks, some really nice people, and some people with a lot of angst.
Actually, on reading my review, I think I will change it from 2.5 to 3 stars.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

I really like Hardy, though I haven't read this one. I expect to enjoy it when I get to it.

[Hope]

I loved this one but I'm a definite Hardy fan and I like the naive quality especially compared to his rather more depressing later works!

[Jen]

I too love Hardy. I haven't read this one but I have yet to meet a Hardy book I didn't like (although I didn't love the Woodlanders as others).

[Denizen]

I'm also a Hardy fan and this is one of my favorites. I have met one I didn't like, however, Jude the Obscure. It epitomizes Hope's description of "more depressing later works."

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Denizen wrote: "I'm also a Hardy fan and this is one of my favorites. I have met one I didn't like, however, Jude the Obscure. It epitomizes Hope's description of "more depressing later works.""

I must like depressing. I gave that one 5 stars.

[Blueberry]

I saw 2 film versions of this books also. I liked the 2015 version a lot. The Masterpiece Theatre one by PBS (1998) not so much. Which was weird because I like almost everything from Masterpiece Theatre. But visually it was very dark which made it depressing. There is also a 1967 version with Julie Christie.

[Hope]

I loved Jude the Obscure but I don't think I could ever read it again. So beautiful and desperately heart-wrenching. I also loved the movie version of Jude with Christopher Eccleston and Kate Winslet but I only recommend it if you have like a week to hide under the covers and cry afterwards ;-) Hardy's books get steadily more depressing the later in his career you go. He stopped writing after Jude. Thank God.

[Denizen]

Blueberry wrote: "There is also a 1967 version with Julie Christie. "

The 1967 version of Far from the Madding Crowd with Julie Christie and Terrence Stamp is quite good. I haven't seen the 2015 version yet but have heard good things about it.

[Sarah]

I love love love the 2015 film and the soundtrack that goes with it. I really want to read this, but Hardy is a tough read, to me anyways.

[Hope]

I liked the 2015 version too!

[Diane]

I have this book still sitting on my Kindle. Some day I will get to it. I also saw the 2015 film version and liked it.