This is the only Hardy I have read. The Woodlanders is on my shelf, I haven't gotten to it yet. I love depictions of rural living in Madding Crowd. It's not quite nature writing but I loved the salt-of-the-earth characters. Yes, the language is flowery but I just assumed that was due to the time in which it was written and I like that sort of thing as long as it is not to the point of confusion. It did take some concentration to read. There were times when I had to reread a paragraph. I never got over the name of Bathsheba either. But I suppose it suited her, as being an independent woman was more of a rarity in that day. As the story progressed, so did her maturation and I liked that character growth for her. She was an intelligent woman but also very young. There were impulsive and naive decisions that cost her a fair deal. I loved Gabriel Oak. Kind of like my own husband, he's the type that a mature woman can depend on. He's not flashy but he is loyal and diligent. Sargeant Troy was such a player, such a cad. I really wanted to see him get his in the end but I won't spoil that for anyone. Mr. Boldwood was quite creepy. I've seen him described as a Victorian-era incel. He wanted Bathsheba only as a possession and his sense of entitlement to her affections was quite chilling at times.
Maybe I'll try that one someday, but I'll give it a little time. I enjoyed this one, but I feel like Hardy is an author I would want to read sparingly. :)
