1st Hardy for me

I totally agree with the above statement i defy anyone who would disagree that Thomas Hardy is not a good Author

As the very first book I've ever read by Thomas Hardy, I give it a genuine "thumbs up". Hardy has a unique way of painting each character. You feel like you know them intimately. It contains great use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and is serious, but lightly told. As the introduction on this site says, it is not at all dreary or dark until the end. Liked it very much.