Far from the Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy – Book Review

So, today I finally decided it. I will be sharing my review of Thomas Hardy’s famous novel Far from the Madding Crowd today. This novel is very close to me and I have read it many times. First time this novel came into my life was during graduation, at Nalanda College Biharsharif in the year 2009. Moreover, there are many other memories associated with this work by Hardy. Coming back to the topic itself, Far from the Madding Crowd ensures that it transports the readers to a place (or an abstract height) where one sees nothing but only green and grey – nature and Oak’s steadfastness.

Bathsheba is a capable and self-sufficient woman who knows how to handle her happiness and grief. She clearly denies Gabriel Oak when he asks to marry her, at the beginning of the novel. And, like a tradition in Hardy’s novels, fate plays a critical role and Oak is ruined. On that side, Bathsheba inherits property and fortunes. Bathsheba Everdene is an animated character who loves to live her life the way she wants. On the other hand, almost Hardy’s mouthpiece, Gabriel Oak is a person who loves to love; in spite of Bathsheba’s rejection, he continues to have affection for her – selfless and goalless. However, it also brings forth the alleged pessimism of Thomas Hardy.

In the novel, there are many things that a man can learn. There are also many things that a woman can learn. Moreover, the best thing about this novel is that a man or a woman – anyone can enjoy this novel! Certainly, one of the Masterpieces of Victorian Literature, Far from the Madding Crowd is a novel that keeps attracting readers across the world even today.

Now, coming to the critical aspects of the novel, I can safely say that it’s fortune that makes a hero out of Gabriel. It’s also the fortune that brings Bathsheba first in a condition anyone would love to be in and then in a condition that we all want to avoid. Troy’s and Boldwood’s exit from the scene is something that can only be attributed to fate. What did Hardy want to show to his readers?

I liked reading this novel. I do like reading this again and again and again. The best thing about Hardy’s writing is his language. He almost paints the situations with his words and that’s too lucrative to read at times. Nevertheless, sometimes, the descriptions become long enough to bore the casual readers who cannot bear descriptions over actions. Overall, Thomas Hardy’s creation is out there, still, to be enjoyed and read with various dimensions in mind. Have you tried re-reading the novel? Haven’t you read it one time yet? Get your copies and start reading it today.

Buy the novel – click here to buy from Amazon