The Return of the Native
By Thomas Hardy (1878)
(396 pages Paperback edition)
Rating : 4/5 šššš
Genres : Classics, Fiction.
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Just wrapped up reading. Closed the book shut and placed it safely away on my book rack. Sat back in my rocking chair and contemplated for a while what my review should be. Everyone knows this is a classic and hence timeless, ageless,applies to everyone, everywhere and at everytime. Edgon - the countryside where this story takes place is a beautiful village. I loved the landscape and the time during which this is written. I wouldn't mind giving up my modern day amenities and life style to move here! Truly!šš„³
I have read other works of Thomas Hardy and immensely enjoyed them. This doesn't fall short to any. All his books have beautiful descriptions of the greenery and landscapes which take one's breath away. š¤š¤
Fate is a ruthless master and every minute we are driven into the hands of destiny through the unseen actions of divine.š¤ Clym Yoebright is a young man who has returned to his native village Edgon from Paris. Eustacia is an educated girl who has been brought to live with her old grandfather in the village through unavoidable circumstances. She loathes the monotony of the place where nothing much happens and longs for escape of some sort. She is a loner, a hopeless romantic and a dreamer prone to self grandeur. She is considered different by the people for her unrestrained wandering of the hearth anytime of the day and her propensity for long spells of mute silence. When she learns of the arrival of Clym, her heart leaps like a fawn and she sees this man as her ticket to freedom and a life of splendor. Little does she realize how peculiar and singular he is in pursuing an opposite direction to where her dreams are headed. Thinking that he will align with her in time, she marries him. Against everyone's advice, he decides to settle down in Edgon and not return to Paris. He is also much inclined towards charity and social work..which she can't understand. The debacle of their marriage doesn't just effect them but also claims the lives of those who love them - dragging them into the midst of this ongoing drama. A string of mishaps rock the life of Clym and takes it where it should.. š„š«
There is an important lesson in this too. One should be weary about marriage. Shouldn't base the reasons for it on imagination and idealism. Eustacia couldn't see the true side of Clym nor he hers. Had they never married, this would have altered many things. But again, it is purely destiny why things happen! š¤
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