Re-reading The Return Of The Native brought so many fond memories back of A Level English Literature which is where I first came across this beautiful novel. Furthermore, I couldn’t believe how much I had actually forgotten, including a narrative which is filled with tragedy and melancholy - this is pretty characteristic of Hardy so I shouldn’t have been too surprised! This is the story of Eustacia Vye, a strong, independent and determined woman who believes in deep romantic connections and adventure - anything that will take her away from her dreary life in the small community of Egdon Heath. Clym Yeobright, a young man recently returned from Paris seems to be the gentleman who will satisfy her hopes and dreams and they are married. Unfortunately, things don’t quite work out the way she had hoped and the events that follow affect not only other members of the community (including a former lover and his wife) but her own relationship and future prospects. Hardy’s talent at describing a countryside setting is second to none but for me, I think I appreciate the way he develops his characters even more, particularly the women. Considering the time he was writing in, his women have strength, power, a mind of their own and a role in society - even if Hardy makes it perfectly clear how diminished that role actually is. Hardy is wonderful at creating these tiny, insular and quite frankly, claustrophobic communities and that are always fascinating to read about. When reading one of his novels, I find it so easy to get lost in the world he is showing us with characters like Eustacia Thomasin and Diggory the reddleman who have certainly left their mark. It’s a book I’m anticipating to re-read many more times in the future and expecting just as much enchantment. Five perfect stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 #bookstagramuk #scottishbookstagrammer #reviewingbooksonthegram #thomashardyfans #thomashardybooks #thereturnofthenative #rereadingoldbooks #readingtheclassics📚 #favouriteauthor❤️ #favouritenovel❤️ #classicbookrecommendation #classicbookreview https://www.instagram.com/p/Cme1zScrIFd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=