heirloom-maters reviewed on 6/28/2014 + 50 more book reviews

I'd have to say that the write up on this doesn't convey the true flavor and thrust of the novel. Bathsheba Everdene is a flawed character who has some growing up to do, but I did not find her simply vain or "haughty." She also has compassion, independence, intelligence, and, as a woman in charge of a farm, is a pretty progressive female character for her time. She is untried and young, though, and we watch as she takes some hard knocks, many of which she brought on herself. Gabriel Oak is a steadying force both as a friend and farm foreman, so to speak, one that the maturing Bathsheba comes to appreciate and eventually love. Don't go in expecting plot twists since that really isn't the point of the book. It's not a mystery. It is a gentle pastoral peopled with interesting characters, a book that is funny at times, much lighter than Hardy's other works, and a very good read.

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