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3.56 AVERAGE
3.56 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
reflective
My first Thomas Hardy, I like the writing and the stories were quite clever.
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
‘The Withered Arm’ is a short, mystifying and devastating story. It pertains a 30 year old milkmaid named Rhoda Brooks, who, through her resentment, unintentionally inflicts a curse upon someone.
This book was enrapturing and easy to read, the latter mainly so because of how modern and to the point the style of writing was. And though short in length, the unraveling of the progressively withering state of the story felt gradual and not obviously hasty.
It was thought-provoking for many reasons, one being it’s uncustomary view point, and how it centres around Rhoda, a single mother. This brought to light overlooked things, such as how the betrayal of her child’s father affects her as a woman of her time, i.e. the language used towards her. It is mentioned that Rhoda was slyly called a ‘witch’ prior to our entrance into the book, and how she was uncertain of where the stigma arose from. This made clear the speedy vilification of women solely on their reputation, enhanced especially by the time the book was written and set in.
I had, unfortunately, spoiled the ending for myself, however, it was still as shocking and gloomy to read about. I do wish it had been a bit longer, though—that maybe there could’ve been a prolonged moment of her recognition/ revelation, or perhaps more spoken word between Gertrude and Rhoda’s son, so we could’ve been met with more anguish. Maybe it’s a bit questionable for me to wish it were more devastating than it was. I only would’ve wanted there to be a bit more in it’s duration and depth, is all. Actually, I also longed for Farmer Lodge’s life to go miserably in the end. (Farmer Lodge is to blame for everything in this story, yet he gets the happiest ending. It was he who indirectly killed his son and young wife, both through his neglect and unsympathetic choices/behaviour. And it was he who ruined the life of the mother of his child. It is the women and child that suffer most. How poignant.)
It was quick and enjoyable, as the way it ended was entertaining from its plot twist. I was intrigued throughout, as it was everything I hoped for it to be and more. I recommend reading it if you’re looking for something mystical and obscure.
***
***
My edition of the book also included the story ‘The Thieves Who Couldn’t Help Sneezing’. It was short, amusing, and humorous. It gave me a little chuckle and was nice to read after the downcast tale before it.
3.5 Stars
The Withered Arm was a nice addition to the Little Black Classics collection. It has a bit of that late 19th Century feel to it with a story of a new bride who gets cursed through one of her dreams. It was an interesting story.
The only thing I had previously read by Thomas Hardy was Woman Much Missed, a collection of poetry also from the Little Black Classics. Since I enjoyed both, I will have to look up some of his longer work, I think.
~Little Black Classics #99~
Find this and other reviews on https://urlphantomhive.wordpress.com
The Withered Arm was a nice addition to the Little Black Classics collection. It has a bit of that late 19th Century feel to it with a story of a new bride who gets cursed through one of her dreams. It was an interesting story.
The only thing I had previously read by Thomas Hardy was Woman Much Missed, a collection of poetry also from the Little Black Classics. Since I enjoyed both, I will have to look up some of his longer work, I think.
~Little Black Classics #99~
Find this and other reviews on https://urlphantomhive.wordpress.com
I rather enjoyed this story, even though it was really short; it was well-written, detailed, and you felt for the characters. I always love reading Hardy and this was no exception
This short Hardy novel is somewhat different from his normal style, though still a Wessex novella. When Rhoda has an illegitimate child with her master a sin has been committed. One night Rhoda has a dream that she has been haunted by a ghost but her master's new wife has all the injuries. We follow a tale of how one sin leaves a lie of sin different to before. With the new wife’s ‘white' appears challenged it presents there is more to people than our supposed views. When told to decrease the arm swelling she must place it on the neck from a hung person - turns out this is Rhoda’s son! A very gripping short story that grew on me as it progressed.A tale of sin, fate and last potential that can haunt us for a lifetime to come.
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've always enjoyed Thomas Hardy's writing style and this little short collection does not disappoint. He always has a twist up his sleeve and I love the unexpected turns his tales take.
The perfect supernatural read for October. My first time delving into Hardy and it was great. This was a creepy fast paced story with a twist that I didn’t see. It was well executed. (No pun intended)