If you're a Thomas Hardy fan I would recommend you read Claire Tomalin's biography of him - The Time-Torn man. I've only read 1 or 2 of his books and it was such a while ago I can't really remember them. I got this book as a present and I have to say I really enjoy it - I think knowing something of the author, their background and life helps you to appreciate their books more. I still haven't got around to reading any more of his books yet but I certainly will at some stage. According to the book his first love was really poetry, he only wrote books to make a living rather than out of love for it.
