Reading 1001 discussion

This is not your usual Thomas Hardy because it is more lighthearted. The novel is considered a novel of comedy. Ethelberta is the main character with humble beginnings. A governess who marries well only to become a widow within weeks of marriage. Then she is pursued by four men seeking her hand in marriage. Lighthearted and happy endings are not what I've grown to expect from Hardy. Rating 3.2 Probably does not need to be on the 1001 list.

I was surprised this was on the list, too, because it certainly isn't one of Hardy's groundbreakers. Ethelberta launches herself in London society after a fortunate marriage and a quick widowhood, hiding the fact that her backgrounds are so humble that her father is a servant in the household of one of her new society contacts. But she has no money, so she needs to marry again if she is not to fall back into rural poverty.

Ethelberta is not the most likeable character, being rather manipulative and insisting on "improving" her family even if they don't want that. But I enjoyed reading about her and her family.
3.5 stars rounded up.