bibiran 's review for:

Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

4.25

challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-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

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Actually can't believe I finished this book this quickly 😭

Unlike the general consensus, I actually came to understand and empathize with Bathsheba. It was especially hard to assert independence and individual rights as a woman in the 1800s and the fear of having that taken away from you in favor of a more conventional life under a husband would be terrifying. I also empathize with her mistakes! It was mostly typical misguided early twenties mistakes, only her circumstances didn't leave any room for her to make them, poor girl should've been at the club. 

I also love that her love for Gabriel developed over years of friendship and camaraderie, to where when they actually got married they fit each other like a glove because they'd been working side by side for so long. It was really sweet actually :')

+ I don't!! feel bad for Boldwood! In retrospect he was a maniacal creep projecting on a girl that was young enough to be his daughter and knowingly putting the weight of his sanity on her shoulders to coerce her into taking him.. yuck.