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3.7 AVERAGE
3.7 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
slow-paced
3.5
This book is one long moan about the institution of marriage.
But like a moan of a close friend, you feel their sorrow as they account the vicissitudes of their misery at hands of marriage, yet you still adore them and wish their suffering to cease, even if the likelihood of such happiness is slim to none.
The scene about 2/3rds into the book, the eldest children parented by Jude and Sue bemoans sue for being pregnant because he concludes that the number of children is the root of their troubles. His naГЇvetГ© results in severe trauma, and as he is the product of a failure of a past marriage, reared by a renewed labour of love, his actions are representative of Jude and sues life choices, rather than a rational choice by a child. This is further illustrated in that the child is lacks a proper name and is simply referred to as Father Time.
The use of characters to sell the thesis of the narrative felt overwhelmingly orchestrated, to the extent that it took me out of the story. I could see their purpose in a way that is unnatural and artificial. The novel itself, despite the lack of characterisation, is profound and whilst depressing, still a worthy read. Definitely not the place to start with hardy. The pointed message of the evils of marriage is very strong and obvious that is may deter some people of feeling that they can enjoy his other works, and they are definitely worth, Im looking at you Tess and Casterbridge.
This book is one long moan about the institution of marriage.
But like a moan of a close friend, you feel their sorrow as they account the vicissitudes of their misery at hands of marriage, yet you still adore them and wish their suffering to cease, even if the likelihood of such happiness is slim to none.
The scene about 2/3rds into the book, the eldest children parented by Jude and Sue bemoans sue for being pregnant because he concludes that the number of children is the root of their troubles. His naГЇvetГ© results in severe trauma, and as he is the product of a failure of a past marriage, reared by a renewed labour of love, his actions are representative of Jude and sues life choices, rather than a rational choice by a child. This is further illustrated in that the child is lacks a proper name and is simply referred to as Father Time.
The use of characters to sell the thesis of the narrative felt overwhelmingly orchestrated, to the extent that it took me out of the story. I could see their purpose in a way that is unnatural and artificial. The novel itself, despite the lack of characterisation, is profound and whilst depressing, still a worthy read. Definitely not the place to start with hardy. The pointed message of the evils of marriage is very strong and obvious that is may deter some people of feeling that they can enjoy his other works, and they are definitely worth, Im looking at you Tess and Casterbridge.
Over the past 15 years I dont think this novel has left my top five. So many moments of recognition for me
Absolutely one of my all-time favorites. I first read it for English class in high school in 1994 and now read it every two or three years or so. I'm not sure what so captivates me- perhaps the utter hopelessness of Jude's life and the fact that he is not a bad person. He isn't being punished for anything, not really, in my opinion. To me it illustrates the unfairness of life, the lack of any purpose behind it. I guess, in that way, it reflects my own worldview. We give our lives meaning, not the world, or god, or other people.
challenging
slow-paced
Actually, I listened to it via the podcast, Obscure, with Michael Ian Black. It's equal parts audiobook and hilarious commentary. Highly recommended.
NoveList Appeal Terms:
Genre: Books to movies; Classics; Love stories
Themes: Comedy of manners; Together again
Pace: Leisurely paced
Tone: Bleak; Haunting; Strong sense of place
Writing Style: Descriptive
NoveList Appeal Terms:
Genre: Books to movies; Classics; Love stories
Themes: Comedy of manners; Together again
Pace: Leisurely paced
Tone: Bleak; Haunting; Strong sense of place
Writing Style: Descriptive
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3,5
I really loved the ending but the beg lacked a lot
I really loved the ending but the beg lacked a lot