The Mayor of Casterbridge

by Thomas Hardy
The Mayor of Casterbridge cover
Good Books rating 3.67
Literary Fiction
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Technical
  • ID: 1801
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780195148107
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press
  • Published: 2001-07-19
  • Formats: 15
  • Reviews: 3

The Mayor of Casterbridge opens with a shocking scene that sets the tone for Thomas Hardy's powerful exploration of human nature. Michael Henchard, in a drunken rage, sells his wife and daughter, only to regret his actions deeply as he later becomes the mayor of Casterbridge. The novel delves into the psychological turmoil of a man whose past mistakes and the inexorable force of fate lead to his downfall. /n/n This Modern Library Paperback Classic reprints the authoritative 1912 Wessex edition, complete with Hardy's map of Wessex, offering readers a rich and immersive experience of the setting and characters. The story is a profound examination of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions, making it a timeless piece of literary fiction.

Reviews
Darker Fables · 2024-01-10
disappointing 2.50

The novel, though short, is not the reviewer's favorite due to its lack of engagement. The reviewer finds the characters and plot unremarkable.

The reviewer found 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' to be one of Hardy's less engaging works, despite its relatively short length. They felt that the characters and plot did not resonate with them as much as other Hardy novels. The reviewer acknowledges the novel's dramatic elements but ultimately found it lacking in depth and emotional impact. They also noted that the novel's setting and atmosphere, while vivid, did not compensate for the overall lack of engagement.

Quick quotes

    The Mayor of Casterbridge (1886) was not quite my cup of tea.

    At 260 pages, this novel is one of Hardy's shortest works, but that is not to say it lacks depth.

    I found the characters and plot unremarkable.

Reading This Book · 2018-01-06
tragic 4.00

The novel is a tragic tale of Michael Henchard and Elizabeth-Jane, with a focus on the aftermath of Henchard's actions. The conclusion, after the will is read, provides a sense of closure for Elizabeth-Jane's story.

This review highlights the dual narrative of Michael Henchard's tragic downfall and Elizabeth-Jane's journey. The reviewer appreciates the intricate character development and the dramatic tension that builds throughout the novel. The conclusion, where Elizabeth-Jane's fate is settled after the reading of the will, is seen as a poignant and satisfying end to her story. The reviewer also notes the vivid setting and the intense emotional impact of the narrative.

Quick quotes

    The novel is not only the tragic tale of Michael Henchard but also the tale of Elizabeth-Jane.

    The novel closes, after the Testament has been read, by settling her story.

    Hardy's powerful and sympathetic study of the heroic but deeply flawed Henchard is also an intensely dramatic work.

Reading Matters · 2011-02-15
superb 4.50

The novel is considered a superb work, comparable to 'Far from the Madding Crowd'. The BBC dramatization is also praised.

The reviewer holds 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' in high regard, placing it among Hardy's finest works. They draw comparisons to 'Far from the Madding Crowd,' highlighting the novel's strong character development and compelling narrative. The BBC's dramatization of the novel is also commended for capturing its essence. The reviewer appreciates the novel's exploration of human nature and the intricate relationships between its characters. Overall, they find the novel to be a powerful and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    Both _Far from the Madding Crowd_ and _The Mayor of Casterbridge_ are superb works.

    BBC has also dramatized both novels.

    The novel's exploration of human nature and intricate relationships are particularly noteworthy.

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