Reviews

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

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smriii's review against another edition

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adventurous reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

sydneyqamar's review against another edition

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4.0

Soap opera in a good way

jennygoodier's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Not my favourite hardy. I enjoyed the complex and highly emotional character of Henchard. Its an interesting and I feel rarely explored kind of character at this time to be so rash about things but also then reflective and self aware of wrong doing. But I found the general drama of the women and men less engaging than in his other works tbh.

neaddean's review against another edition

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funny mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

shii11's review against another edition

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dark emotional slow-paced

4.5

parsa_jeihoun's review against another edition

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4.0

I absolutely loved reading "The Mayor of Casterbridge"! It's such a deep and thought-provoking novel that really makes you ponder about human nature and morality.
One of the big questions the book raises is whether we can truly move on from our past mistakes. The book makes us wonder if redemption is possible and how much control we have over our own destiny.
The debate between fate and free will is also a major theme in the novel, as the characters grapple with their choices and the outcomes that follow. Hardy does a fantastic job portraying their struggles, making us think about how much chance and our own decisions shape our lives.
The emotional impact of the book is immense, with moments of despair, regret, and hope that really tug at your heartstrings. You'll find yourself feeling everything from empathy for the characters' pain to admiration for their strength and resilience. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that truly makes this book a must-read, especially for literature students.