Status Updates From Remedios desesperados

Started reading this one for 2026 Victober season. I've heard it's one of Thomas Hardy's first novels. Since I've enjoyed some of his other works, I thought I would give this one a try. Hardy alludes to and describes many things that were contemporary to the novel's publishing and the wide appeal of Dickens. Sadly, Hardy seems to be insecure of his writing abilities in this novel.

“The rector of Carriford trotted homewards under the cold and clear March sky, its countless stars fluttering like bright birds” (373).