Far from the Madding Crowd

by Thomas Hardy
Far from the Madding Crowd cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £3.99–£11.99 Hardback • £9.99–£16.99
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Format • £5.69
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Technical
  • ID: 1802
  • Added: 2025-10-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781853260674
  • Publisher: Wordsworth Editions
  • Published: 1993-01-01
  • Formats: 19
  • Reviews: 3

Set in the English countryside of the 1840s, 'Far from the Madding Crowd' introduces Bathsheba Everdene, a spirited and independent woman who inherits a farm and must manage it on her own. Her journey is intertwined with three very different suitors, each offering a unique perspective on love and life. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of rural England's changing social landscape. Thomas Hardy's masterful storytelling and richly drawn characters bring to life a world where tradition clashes with modernity, and where the choices one makes can have profound and lasting consequences. The novel's vivid descriptions and deep emotional resonance have cemented its place as a beloved work of literature.

Reviews
Julia's Books · 2022-02-24
joyful 4.50

This book is pure joy with breathtaking passages that captivate the reader. The writing is so engaging that it leaves a lasting impression.

Julia's Books finds this novel to be a pure joy to read, with passages so beautiful they almost take your breath away. The reviewer frequently bookmarked chapters on the audio version to revisit later, a testament to Hardy's evocative prose. The emotional depth and vivid descriptions make this a standout classic that lingers in the mind long after the last page. They were particularly struck by the way Hardy paints the rural landscape and the complexities of human relationships, making it a deeply satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    This book is pure joy and so many of Hardy's passages are simply breathtaking.

    I frequently found myself bookmarking chapters on the audio so I could come back to them later.

    Hardy's writing is so evocative that it leaves a lasting impression.

Warm Days Will Never Cease · 2021-02-17
fulfilling 4.00

The novel is emotionally fulfilling with a mix of sorrow, disappointment, tragedy, joy, and humour. It offers a rich and engaging reading experience.

Warm Days Will Never Cease highlights the emotional rollercoaster that is 'Far from the Madding Crowd', filled with sorrow, disappointment, tragedy, joy, and humour. The reviewer found the novel to be emotionally fulfilling, noting that it was a rich and engaging reading experience. They appreciated the depth of the characters and the way Hardy weaves together different emotions to create a compelling narrative. The book's ability to evoke a range of feelings makes it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Far from the Madding Crowd is full of sorrow, disappointment, tragedy, joy, and humour.

    Reading the novel was emotionally fulfilling, but almost overwhelming at times.

    Hardy's ability to evoke a range of emotions makes this a memorable and impactful read.

The Guardian · 2015-09-20
amazing 3.50

The book is recommended for its amazing reading experience once you get into it. The initial difficulty in getting into the story is worth the effort.

The Guardian reviewer initially struggled to get into 'Far from the Madding Crowd' but found that once they were hooked, it became an amazing reading experience. They recommend the book for its rich storytelling and engaging characters. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the narrative and the way Hardy crafts a compelling story that keeps the reader invested. Despite the initial hurdle, the book's quality shines through, making it a worthwhile read.

Quick quotes

    To conclude, I do recommend this book; I did have a little trouble trying to get into it, but when I got in it was an amazing reading experience.

    Hardy's storytelling is rich and engaging, making it a compelling read.

    The depth of the narrative and the way Hardy crafts the story keeps the reader invested.

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