The Mayor of Casterbridge - Thomas Hardy

The Mayor of Casterbridge was a very interesting novel. In my opinion Hardy uses too much irony, and this kills the fun of the whole topic. It is true that every day is filled with irony, but it shouldn't be in somthing someone is reading. the novel also shouldn't be too predictable, I guess that's why Hardy likes irony. If you are a reader who likes suspense and tragedy then this book is for you. If you like irony then this is the book for you!!! ...

Thomas Hardy's books are somewhat difficult to read, but this book, set in an English market town, is well worth reading to obtain a picture of life in rural England during that time period along with a complex tale of an ambitious man's rise and ultimate fall. A man rising from the ranks of farm laborers builds himself up to become a successful grain merchant and leading citizen of the town. Events of his past emerge to place a shadow over his success, and his greed and some bad judgement lead to his ruin. Like most of Hardy's books, it is a tragedy for the main character. ...

Thomas Hardy in "The Mayor of Casterbridge" succeeds in portraying life in an Olde English farming community with rare realism. The downfall, uprising and subsequent downfall of the main character Henchard is graphically described as is the Spirit of all the chracters against adversity. This book is a "tragedy" but also uplifting reading and gives an insight into rural life of the time and the cultural constraints which were then in force. This is an excellent introduction to the works of Thomas Hardy. ...