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Far From the Madding Crowd
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Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy
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message 1:
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Matthew, Assistant List Master
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rated it 4 stars
Mar 31, 2018 03:14PM
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I am about 50 pages in. Hardy's prose is outstanding yet not overwrought.
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This is yet another one I bought a few years ago and has been sitting on my to-read shelf ever since. Looking forward to starting it after I finish my current reads! And thank you to this group for giving me that gentle push (or kick, lol) to finally read the classics I own but have always found reasons to pass.
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We are all here for each other - together we can do anything! :)
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Honestly I'm not a huge fan of Bathsheba...yes she's independent and headstrong and not afraid to speak up for herself nor stand her ground, but she also has several major flaws (as every well-developed character should, of course). In my opinion, Gabriel is too good for her. I don't want to spoil anything as I can see you haven't yet finished the novel, but in my opinion, the woman that Bathsheba came across to me as was that of one that knew how pretty and admired she was by many men. It's almost like she scoffs at Gabriel's display of his feelings towards her, I just want to give the poor guy a hug! I just cannot understand his initial attraction to her when she practically didn't even acknowledge his existence. Would love to talk more as you progress through the novel and what you think!
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PREACH! I am not done yet, but these are my feelings exactly!
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And, some of the stuff that happens to the people caught in the wake of Bathsheba and her suitors is pretty SAVAGE!
Bathsheba is seeking something new...beyond what she knows. Gabriel is awkward, but sweet.
Matthew wrote: "So far, I am really enjoying the slight sarcasm/cynicism in the descriptions. He sounds like me trying to be funny when I describe things to my friends and family."I did a spit-take with his hair...."between that of guano and Roman cement, etc......" :D
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I did a spit-ta..."
HA! :)
message 13:
by
Matthew, Assistant List Master
(last edited Apr 17, 2018 11:39AM)
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rated it 4 stars
I’m struggling with it - up to 50 pages in and I’m not getting used to Hardy’s writing style yet - finding myself rereading sentences to wonder what the hell he’s saying. I heard it picks up a lot after beginning? I did read Return of the Native and liked it a lot- so I think I can get into Hardy- I’ll keep trying here
Has anyone watched the movie? It's going to be on TCM the evening of the 19th, I may record it to watch after I finish the book.
Brooklyn wrote: "I’m struggling with it - up to 50 pages in and I’m not getting used to Hardy’s writing style yet - finding myself rereading sentences to wonder what the hell he’s saying. I heard it picks up a lot ..."I would say stick with it for a bit longer. I was having problems at the beginning, found myself putting it down after a few pages. Then something just clicked and now I'm about half-way through and enjoying it.
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I agree that it may have taken a bit to get oriented to the writing, but after a bit I really got into it!
I really liked the book. I think Hardys style was very cinematic in creating a big world
OK - just an update - with your encouragement (and perhaps the story picking up) - i did get over the hump and am enjoying reading the book now. I think when Sergeant Troy came on the scene - my interest was more piqued (as who doesn't love a scoundrel)! I'm not finding it as "deep" as Return of the Native - this one is very plot driven - but still enjoying. I read in one of the notes in my edition that Kat's last name in Hunger Games was Everdene after our heroine as Suzanne Collins loved Bathsheba's character so much.
....will update when I finish...
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Wow - that is an interesting book connection fact - thanks! :)
I will say that the layers in the characters Hardy creates is really fascinating. The juxtaposition between the three men is stark. And BTW, the 1967 film looks to be crap from the few scenes I watched.
Finished ! Just in time for May’s book. My review:
So charming - had the hardest time getting into it - but then I enjoyed it very much. I kept thinking is this same Mr Hardy who usually writes such gloomy books and poems (though there are sad and gloomy moments). The feel for the surroundings and rituals and nature are so keen and beautifully written. The story is melodramatic but engaging - the settings anchor everything nicely. Also the role of Bathsheba is fascinating take on women’s roles of the day and the change that is to come but not quite yet. The feelings of the protagonists are real and earnest enough- and surprise! a happy ending. Enjoy!
I did notice the "Everdene" after a while and wondered... Thank you Brooklyn for the confirmation!
