64 pages • 2 hours read
Far From The Madding Crowd
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
Wessex, England • 1870s
1874
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Far from the Madding Crowd, Thomas Hardy’s fourth novel and the first set in his fictitious Wessex, follows farmer Gabriel Oak, who falls in love with Bathsheba Everdene. Despite his proposal being rejected, Gabriel becomes Bathsheba's shepherd when she inherits a farm. Bathsheba’s romantic entanglements with Gabriel, neighbor William Boldwood, and impulsive Sergeant Troy create a dramatic narrative exploring rural, Victorian-era English society.
Melancholic
Romantic
Inspirational
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
163,277 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Thomas Hardy's Far From The Madding Crowd is widely praised for its rich prose, evocative descriptions, and complex characters, particularly Bathsheba Everdene. However, some critics find the pacing uneven and the plot occasionally melodramatic. Overall, it's considered a classic work of English literature, balancing pastoral beauty with intense human emotions.
Who Should Read Far From The Madding Crowd?
A reader who enjoys Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy would likely appreciate Victorian literature, complex character development, and pastoral settings. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or George Eliot's Middlemarch will find similar themes of romance, social critique, and rich storytelling.
163,277 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Gabriel Oak
Gabriel Oak
A steadfast and competent shepherd who works at Bathsheba's farm, recognized for his loyalty and resilience despite personal hardships.
William Boldwood
William Boldwood
A prosperous and serious farmer in Weatherbury, who becomes infatuated with Bathsheba, setting off a series of events influenced by his intense focus.
Francis Troy
Francis Troy
A charming and impulsive Sergeant whose interactions with key characters instigate dramatic shifts in the community, leading to unforeseen consequences.
Fanny Robin
Fanny Robin
A young servant with connections to both Gabriel Oak and Sergeant Troy, whose life and fate subtly impact the relationships between the main characters.
480
Novel • Fiction
Wessex, England • 1870s
1874
Adult
18+ years
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