I actually finished this book weeks ago. I thought I'd already blogged about it, but I guess not. Here it goes.
Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy is a really enjoyable book. You follow Gabriel Oaks, a shepherd, and his love for Bathsheba Everdene. From the beginning Gabriel's quest to win Bathsheba's love doesn't turn out the way he wants or expects.
The book focuses on human folly and social issues of the time. There are twists of love and hate, betrayal and loyalty, lies and honesty, etc. Bathsheba ends up being the only female farmer in the area, accidentally winning a farmers love, falling in love with another man, has disaster ruin her life before finally finding happiness. Gabriel loses everything and has to start fresh and work for the woman who rejected him, before he finds his peace.
At the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure how much I'd like it, but by the end, I could barely put it down. Thomas Hardy did a good job creating his characters and molding their interactions. He teaches life lessons without it seeming preachy. He shapes the "villian" of the story into a man who can convince everyone but the hero--Gabriel--that he is good and wonderful.
While it delves into darker issues, it stays appropriate for all ages. Young Adults may not understand all of the social issues, but I wouldn't have a problem with my own children (theoretical children) reading this book. I highly recommend this book.
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