William Collins Far From the Madding Crowd

When I first discovered the cinema of UK actor Alan Bates, I found out that he had done with John Schlesinger —an important UK director — a movie called Far From the Madding Crowd. Based on the first success of novelist Thomas Hardy, that novel presented an amazing naturalist drama set in the county of Wessex; a location known only in the writer’s novels. Through this countryside, it allows his stories to be connected in the same area; making them jigsaw pieces presenting a giant community’s painting.In this novel, we discover how a poor farmer named Bathsheba inherits her late uncle’s farm properties after he passed away. As he was rich and powerful in the area, she experiences an incredible Cinderella story as she now manages many employees, lives in luxurious conditions, and becomes the centre of attention of individuals who’d never be interested in her before her success.Indeed, soon after her arrival, three men of different origins court her. First, by Sergeant Troy; a dashing officer whose passion and rebellious attitude hides a troubling history. Then, by Mr. Boldwood, an misanthropic farmer who believes she loves him after she sent him a prank love card. And finally, by Gabriel Oak, a sheep herder that she knew years before she inherited her uncle’s wealth. A devoted young man who has always been devoted to her, never afraid to tell her when she is going too far, or when she is treading on dangerous grounds.Indeed, as her joke toward Mr. Boldwood was meant as a childish trick with no ill intention, it nevertheless generates in this man an obsession and feelings for her that builds up to a tragic drama. A drama between her, Boldwood, and Troy; with the other employees and Gabriel as witnesses.With this first success, Thomas Hardy became known in the literary business. First published monthly in Cornhill Magazine, then presented in a final Wessex version in 1912, Far from the Madding Crowd presents a naturalistic view of farmers lifestyle and culture. With detailed descriptions of the farming business, of the landscape, and of the protagonists. Colorful images that set us right into this area. Right into the routines and habits of the protagonists, into the locations that they live in or explore. And the content is quite descriptive. So readers who are used to reading books with spare descriptions or not much extensive details will have to prepare themselves for the incredible prose in here. A beautiful painting of a memorable community that you do not want to leave.In its plotline, the novel has many religious undertones through God, the Bible, and its parables; beautiful references to the name of Bathsheba, who’s the wife of Uriag the Hittite, while with Gabriel Oak, his profession reminds us of David the shepherd. Of that latter protagonist, he really is the voice of common sense for that woman as her success and wealth does go to her head a little bit and it makes her do foolish acts that cause more problems.Furthermore, this story reminds us how the beauty of humanity and of love can be found in people that we never expected to have them. Also, it shows the impact of reckless acts upon others, even when the intents behind them were not ill-intended. And for readers who want to have a good look of life back in the nineteenth century, they can obtain it with Far From the Madding Crowd.A novel that I enjoyed listening to with Rick Wakeman’s piano compositions set around the English countryside. Music whose ambience and tones correspond so well with Thomas Hardy’s drama.In sum, Far from the Madding Crowd is an excellent introduction to that novelist’s literature and to the English naturalist current, a wave that promoted the depiction of reality as it was. With rigorous descriptions of the world and the protagonists/antagonists.

O livro vem conforme informado, edição simples em papel jornal padrão das edições estrangeiras e com letras pequenas( não é problema pra mim). Pelo preço que paguei achei ótimo! Jamais acharia em livrarias físicas um livro em inglês tão barato quanto os que a Amazon oferece.

Sapevo essere un bel libro! Tutto confermato!

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