This is the 6th Novel of Hardy’s. Like the other novels of his that I have read, this story has a dark tragic theme. Although the story is lighter than many of his other works (specifically Tess and Jude), it still has a sad theme. Hardy develops his characters beautifully through this short novel, and uses a hint of comedy that isn’t so common for him. I became thuroughly absord in this book. Hardy has become an absolute favourite of mine. I fear finishing this list as I will have no more of his novels to look forward to.