Better off Dead Book

This was a bizarre little novel, following a sculptor on a lusty lifetime pursuit for his 'well-beloved'. This term describes, in essence, his ideal female partner and he, over the years, finds such a figure in three generations of women.

The subject matter made me feel a little queasy to read about, as it never seemed challenged in any way. I understand the age of this book is largely the cause of this, but a modern-day reader will find much to negate in this pages, despite the protagonist enjoying nothing more than the idolisation of these women.

Once the somewhat distasteful topic is overlooked and the story taken for what it is, it is actually an enjoyable one. The years flew quickly yet the novel never felt rushed. Hardy immerses the reader into the protagonist's head, which is a little initially disconcerting given his tendencies, but ultimately leads to a small measure of understanding as the novel winds down to a satisfying conclusion.

I have started my journey with Hardy at the end of his life's work, but the writing exhibited here has me eager to retreat into other of his infamous, earlier publications.