Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

I usually open a Hardy novel with a sense of dread, but when several book friends said this was their favorite, I plunged in without my usual reluctance. And I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it - even with its hearty dose of pessimism. 

The book opens with a description of Gabriel Oak who on working days was a young man of sound judgment, easy motions, proper dress, and general good character. On Sundays he was a man of misty views.... he went to church but yawned privately by the time the congregation reached the Nicene creed, and thought of what there would be for dinner when he meant to be listening to the sermon. 

Several of the main characters attend church, but it doesn't seem to make much difference in their lives. Another character, Sergeant Troy, has lived a profligate life and when he decides to do better, he finds, that Providence, far from helping him into his new course, or showing any wish that he might adopt one, actually jeered his first trembling and critical attempt. Biblical reference are sprinkled throughout the book, but most are verses misquoted by one of the farm hands. So although this was funny, you get the sinking feeling that Hardy was saying the Bible doesn't really have anything to contribute to the conversation.

Why would a book that seems to belittle God and his mercy merit my four star rating? Because in spite of Hardy's worldview, he vividly portrays human nature and shows sin for what it is. His characters are complex. Even the stereotypical playboy has his moments of reflection and remorse.

Almost all the characters in the story are motivated by their impulses: Fanny the servant girl, Troy the soldier, Bathsheba the farmer, etc. Sometimes those impulses are held in check by the desire for some higher good, but most often Hardy shows the realistic results of "following your heart." 

Our heroine, Bathsheba Everdene, is the object of desire of the three male characters. Through these men, Hardy explores different kinds of love. Passion is highlighted as a particularly disastrous form of love. Self-giving love is the ideal, but is the hardest because it promotes the welfare of the other person even at the cost of one's own happiness. I enjoyed seeing this type of love rewarded (but only after it had been through the valley!)  

This was not Hardy's first novel, but it was the one that established him as a respected writer. I wonder if any of the movie versions are any good. I can see how they might be racy when interpreted visually, although the book was not. 

Have you read Hardy? Do you have a favorite? Any opinions on movie versions?

Blessings,