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The Return of the Native

By Thomas Hardy
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy unfolds on Egdon Heath, where the paths of several characters intertwine amidst a backdrop of love, ambition, and tragedy. When Clym Yeobright returns from Paris, his aspirations clash with the expectations of the individuals around him, leading to complex relationships and unforeseen consequences. Hardy's detailed depiction of the heath and its impact on the characters serves as a central theme throughout the narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy rich, atmospheric descriptions and complex character dynamics set in the rural English countryside. It explores themes of love, ambition, and fate, woven together in a dramatic narrative that examines the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations.

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Against the lowering background of Egdon Heath, fiery Eustacia Vye passes her days, wishing only for passionate love. She believes that her escape from Egdon lies in marriage to Clym Yeobright, home from Paris and discontented with his work there.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Penguin Classics relaunch.

The Return of the Native was written towards the beginning of Hardy's career as a novelist and can be considered one of his most representative works. In this novel, Hardy's tragic vision is powerfully and narrowly focused on Egdon Heath and the men and women who live on it.

Set against the backdrop of the Heath and the impersonal and eternal forces it represents, the fates of Eustacia Vye, Diggory Venn, Clym Yeobright—the returning 'native'—and others are inexorably played out.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy is praised for its vivid depiction of nature and its role in shaping human destiny. The book is often recognised for its deep exploration of the interplay between the characters and the overpowering presence of the natural setting, underscoring the influence of the environment on personal actions. Hardy's narrative ability to intertwine natural elements with the plot is likened to the qualities found in great literary works.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140435184

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 June 1999

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Preface by Patricia Ingham
  • Introduction by Penny Boumelha
  • Edited by Tony Slade
  • Notes by Tony Slade

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 496

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Thomas Hardy Top 100 Penguin Classics

About the Author

Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) was a prolific novelist and poet whose works include 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure'. Penny Bouhmelha is Professor of English at the University of Adelaide and has published work on Hardy and women.

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