The Mayor Of Casterbridge published by Rupa Publications is highly readable and vivid Victorian novel.
Synopsis
Set in the heart of Wessex, it is the partly dream and partly real country. The writer has founded this upon native Dorset. The book chronicles the meteoric rise followed by downfall, self-induced it may be, of the lead character. The Mayor no doubt is a man of stellar character. The narrative of this book is ingeniously contrived and fast moving, completely Shakespearean in the related tragic force. It features striking and brilliant descriptive passages and descriptions.
The lead character of this book is Michael Henchard. Under the influence of rum, he does the unthinkable of selling his child and wife to a sailor for just five guineas. Years later his wife Susan as a widow comes to Casterbridge only to find that her wayward husband is now the Mayor there. Michael marries Susan again but ultimately fate has downfall in store for him.
About the Author
Thomas Hardy is a well-known poet and novelist of English origin. He has written such classics as Far from the Madding Crowd, Jude the Obscure and Tess of D'Urbervilles among several others. His novels have been adapted for both big and small screens.