read all of Thomas Hardy's books

This is number 7 for me, getting close to the half way mark. I thought that this book was brilliant. A lot lighter than some of the other novels of Hardy’s. The book has an epic feel to it as Napoleon’s invasion of England runs throughout the background. Additionally Hardy uses comic relief throughout the novel. I found Festus to be a wonderfuly developed character and only wished he played an even greater role.

I’m not sure I even want to do this anymore. I liked the ones I read, but some of the more obscure ones really seemed to drag on.

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.

Thomas Hardy is a genuis !!! This book is brilliant. Not as dark as some of his other work, but a wonderful story. The writing is creative and beautiful. An absolute master piece

This is the 4th Hardy book that I have read. I found the book a little slow and uninteresting compared to the other works I have read (Mayor, Jude, and Tess). All of the other three are beautiful tragic stories. Native feels like a bit of a sell out with its happy ending (atleast happy by Hardy’s standards). I have 14 more Hardy novels to read to complete this list.

Hardy’s my favourite author, so I think this is definitely worth doing. I love his beautiful writing style and the way he develops characters. Also, his vision of the world as a pretty random place ensures that you can never be too certain where his plots will lead. Especially recommended are Jude the Obscure, Far From the Madding Crowd, A Laodicean, and The Woodlanders. I wasn’t especially taken with The Pursuit of the Well-Beloved/Well-Beloved or The Trumpet Major, and Desperate Remedies (Hardy’s first, not a Wessex story) was a snore. Still, I’m glad I read them. I’ve also read some of his short story collections: Life’s Little Ironies, Wessex Tales, and the really neat A Group of Noble Dames.

I’ve read the following!

Jude the Obscure
Mayor of Casterbridge
Tess of the D’Urbervilles

and not

Far From the Madding Crowd
Return of the Native

and these are all of his ‘important works’ (says the ever infallible wikipedia) so yes, more than 50%!

Finished the Mayor of Casterbridge last week. What a great novel. Was not as tragic as some of Hardy’s other work. My copy of the book is reviewed on the back as stating “this is Hardy’s Lord Jim”. Unfortunatley that review over sold the book for me a little bit. I was anticipating a slightly more haunting novel. Still a great read and very much enjoyed. Thank you Thomas.

I discovered Hardy last year (well after everyone else). I found a copy of Jude the Obscure in a used book store and was intrigued by the name. Thought that it was one of the best books I have ever read. I have since read a few more and am currently in the middle of the Mayor of Casterbridge…damn fine novel so far. In fact I am going to pour myself a cup of tea and start reading more right now…

I’ve actually read all of his books now… wow.
My last was an edition containing both the serial and novel texts of (the pursuit of (serial)) the well-beloved. Not his best, though it was at the end of his career.