Far From The Madding Crowd

I finaly had the chance to read Far From The Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy. I only found out before I started reading that I have the abridged version, so I just ordered the "proper" book on line. I started reading and I couldn't put it away. That hardly happens to me. It happened when I read Pride and Prejudice some years ago. Far From The Madding Crowd really is a charming, sad and lovely story. As I write it down I see that it looks a bit strange, but for me it is true. It is a very moving story, even in the abridged version. I felt very sad for Gabriel Oak when Bathsheba Everdene (how on earth did Thomas Hardy found a name like that) refused his proposal. I don't know why but I didn't like Frank Troy from the moment he walked into the story. He really was the bad guy from the moment I read his name. The story is very well written and I really seem to have a fascination for older and dead writers. I am really looking forward to read the "proper" book. I also have the audiobook read by Nathaniel Parker, who also played Gabriel Oak in the TV series. I still have to see it and listen to it. And I am sure that I love it. I think I better keep my kleenex ready when I see the film. I am really curious on other books by Thomas Hardy now. But first I have some other classics to read. This is really one of the best books I've ever read. It is in the top 2 of favorite books next to Pride and Prejudice.