It's been about thirty years since I last read Thomas Hardy, after I read the brilliant but unbearably tragic Jude The Obscure for A Level English. My mother's a huge Hardy fan, but had warned me that many of his novels were equally tragic, so I didn't venture back into his work until now.

Under The Greenwood Tree is a gentle romance, between two slightly flawed people. Dick Dewy's feelings and behaviour is recognisable to anyone that's ever been in love, feared that their love was unrequited or that they weren't good enough. He is a sympathetic character. Fancy Day is slightly less sympathetic; she's a bit too concerned with her appearance, and somewhat aware of the effect she has on men. She's also a little bit of a snob, and easily has her head turned by material things. However, she seems have some self awareness, and knows not to look a tranter's horse in the mouth. Although I wanted Dick and Fancy to get together, I had some misgivings, which I had right to the very end of the novel; if you read it, you'll see why.

I found the minute descriptions of life in rural Dorset 170 years ago quite fascinating; the close relationship of humans to nature, the turning of the seasons, the different occupations of the villagers, the dignity of the characters despite their humble existences. These are people who are grateful for simple things; health, family, enough to eat, and a barrel of decent cider!

My favourite sections of the novel were about the church choir, who are also musicians. It reminded me very much of the village brass band that I'm in; the politics, the camaraderie, and the Christmas Eve tradition of carolling through the village. The description of a rural Christmas Party in the 1850's was also wonderful.

I'm not sure that I would read this again; it's pleasant enough, but not really engaging enough for a second read. But the little hardback copy I've got is 89 years old, with pretty illustrations, so I'll keep it.