Fabulous novel by Thomas Hardy. His writing is parallel by few and this story, as do most of his, takes the reader through many, unpredictable turns. Hardy shows us the reader the many aspects among people from the two distinct classes--always a great read.

The clever turn of the phrase is built into the most clever turn of the tale as Thomas Hardy always does, but this may well be his best. This could be made into a "Downton Abbey" like series because each chapter, something important and unexpected happens. Hard's character development is thorough, timeless understanding of the human condition, extremely fulfilling. His story development is tight but not predictable. I've recommended it to many friends and family, male and female, young and old--- such a pleasure to read- thoroughly engaging. Wish it could be made into a PBS series! It would lend itself to that perfectly.