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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
I survived this book. The old English language and conversational slang had me using the dictionary or just puzzled on nearly every page. That said it is an interesting story and I look forward to the movie that is coming. That's what got me started on this book. That and the belief I need to add some real literature to my reading.
It was a well-written book but nothing that really captivated me.
Easy, fun, and filled with delightful and painful romance. The writing style is exactly what I really enjoy reading above all else. I loved Hardy in high school, and I'm shocked I'd never read this one before. I can't say that I "loved" it, but it definitely gets at least four stars.
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
I dont know how any modern person could read this as a sweeping romance given how clear it is all these men only want Bathsheba out of lust and limerance. Thomas Hardy is very clear in his statements that all women are, in their very nature, inferior and even though that is to be expected for the period its still a tough hurdle to get over. Gabriel Oak is a good man, but he still “falls in love” with Bathsheba after one or two meetings, and its just too much of a farce to see real romance in it. The ending is pretty good, despite all this, in making a point about Bathsheba and Gabriel actually knowing each other before marriage, but I still dont see its appeal in the light it was presented to me of a traditional, heartstopping romance.
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
medium-paced
challenging
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I cannot believe how good this was! I've been apprehensive about Hardy for years, and decided I'd finally bite the bullet, and I'm glad I did. This was fairly easy to read for a classic. I'm not sure why I've heard so much hate surrounding it. I think it's pretty good! I'm going to pick up Tess one day as well. Glad I have finally read Hardy!
Note: Gabriel Oak is so fantastic! Best character in this story.
Update 2017: have read Tess. Loved it even more!
Note: Gabriel Oak is so fantastic! Best character in this story.
Update 2017: have read Tess. Loved it even more!