Product Description

The central figure of this novel is the returning 'native', Clym Yeobright, and his love for the beautiful but capricious Eustacia Vye. As character after character is driven to self-destruction, the presence of Egdon Heath becomes all-embracing, while Clym becomes a preacher.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12018 in Books
• Published on: 1995-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

About the Author
Teaches English at the University of Georgia

Customer Reviews

Wonderful read
This book is one of Hardy's finest; it invokes the landscape better than any of his other novels, particularly Egdon Heath and the people living at, and on its edges. The scenes using the heath are outstanding - the bonfire which is used to "summon" Clem to Eustacia, the games of dice which end up using the light from glow-worms, and the dreadful deadly walk over the heath by Clem's mother in high summer are just tremendous. The novel requires insight and probably doesn't suit adolescents; but for adults, I recommend it.

A beautiful and challenging piece of literature.
In this gripping story Hardy writes of his native Wessex with a clear passion and understanding. Indeed in this story of mis-loves and ironic coincidence the superbly described 'Egdon Heath' is given characteristics which are only matched by the books' main character, Eustacia Vye. The Heath is not just the setting for the novel but very much the sobering counter balance to Vye's passionate nature. During the novel she tries unsuccessfuly to defeat the Heath which holds her prisoner. I have read this book as a set text piece for A-level and expected a hard going read, but I was instantly captured by the tangible world Hardy creates. I would recommend this novel to anyone who can appreciate the English word at it's very best.

Evocative and moving
I enjoyed this book immensely. Having read it far from home it reminded me of how magical the English countryside can be. It is also deeply interesting for the insights into a world long past- who remembers what a reddleman is now? The plight of Eustacia Vye is engaging, and, as usual with Hardy, tells us much that is sobering about our lives.