Far from the Madding Crowd

Rating:
Summary: Far From The Maddening Crowd
Review: While written and set in a time long past, Thomas Hardy gives a real sense of what it must have been like to live before vast industrialization. This book draws the reader into the lives of the characters, telling a story of a pretty woman, who doesn't quiet know or really care about the effect she has on the men who's world she has pushed herself into.
Hardy portrays Bathsheba as somewhat of a feminist, who at first only considers marriage as a means of raising her station in life. This becomes unnecessary when she finds herself inheriting a large estate. Although, not really interested in marriage Bathsheba begins to toy with the men around her. She meets and falls in love with a man who uses her to raise his station in life, this begins a complicated love triangle.
Hardy detailed descriptions of his characters, their emotions, and their surroundings are exquisite.

While the language may seem antiquated to some, I found it only added value to a story beautifully told.