Wonderfully written story that deftly examines the various moral questions brought about by the main plot. The characters are thoroughly relatable (even likable), which was absolutely necessary to carry the weighty subjects to their proper end. Highly recommended; however, readers who are not up for 19th-century English material might be a bit put off. ( )

five stars because i am in a hardy mood, and this was hardy as heck. ( )

[bc:THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE|10386998|THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE (non illustrated)|Thomas Hardy|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51WB6z39VnL._SL75_.jpg|15290646]

A classic tragedy at it's best. One of the greatest emotional novels I have read in a really long time. I loved it! ( )

Hardy's protagonist is a misogynistic pendejo who's grumpy outlook on life is caused by being saddled with a wife and child (although not, apparently, chosen by a gun pointed at his head). In a drunken moment he decides to auction off his family to the highest bidder. The only bidder is a sailor, and off goes his wife and daughter, as she sobs out to him, "I've lived with you these years and had nothing but temper. Now I'll try my luck elsewhere." Said pendejo's life goes upward from their for some years, accumulating prestige and dinero, but karma has some goodies in store for him.

I love Hardy's characters, and his talent with a pen, but it's hard to get past his glaring misogynism. ( )

Thomas Hardy really has it in for his characters, doesn't he? ( )