Reviews

Under the Greenwood Tree by Thomas Hardy

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meganwiggin's review against another edition

Couldn’t get into it. The characters were undeveloped and the plot wasn’t engaging. Might attempt again at a later date.

luna_snowfeather's review against another edition

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lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Alongside this, I've read Tess of the D'Urbervilles and Far From The Madding Crowd, and I'd say out of the three this is his weakest. For me, it lacked the drama and intensity in plot that his other novels bring. In the last few chapters, he tried to bring this, but it feels more like a strange side line out of nowhere.

However this book is 4 stars simply because of the beauty of Hardy's writing. Again I was transported to fields of green farms with every page, and a simpler time of community. It really is beautiful and something I will continue to read Hardy for.

hopeesperanza's review against another edition

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slow-paced

3.0

novel_nomad's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

3.75

whogivesabook's review against another edition

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4.0

I've never read a better book about a guy called Dick going off in a huff to nut on his own in the woods because his girlfriend (who plays a mean organ) wasn't getting ready quickly enough.

This year has been a bit of a Hardy year. I've read Jude the Obscure, Return of the Native and now this one. I read The Mayor of Casterbridge and Tess of the d'Urbervilles in university, but I'll obviously have to reread them. Hardy has become a bit of a comfort read for me.

See, I love the contrast between the humdrum of provincial lives and the impossibly scrumptious language used to conjure up the natural world around them.

Under the Greenwood Tree takes place across every season and results in this beautiful evocation of ecological richness that is lost to modern people. We don't get scores of dumbledores (bees) or scores of cuckoos, blackbirds, and sparrows that bring their song to a deafening crescendo. Old books really do serve to remind me of all the folk tradition and knowledge of the natural world that is just lost to us along with the diversity.

Anyway. Another fantastic read. Cosy. Read this if you're headed to a cottage for a little weekend break.