Far from the Madding Crowd

Far from the Madding Crowd is Thomas Hardy's fourth novel and his first major literary success. The central character is the vivacious and independent young heiress Bathsheba Everdene who arrives at Weatherbury to take up her position as a farmer on the largest estate in the area. Her bold presence draws three very different suitors. Each in contrasting ways unsettles her decision and complicates her life and tragedy ensues bringing violence and scandal into the idyllic rural community.