Hardy is probably one of the few writer's I would happily read a 'star-crossed lovers' tale, and still enjoy the romance and variation in the trope. The main variation I found curious was the woman being older than her partner, it was often remarked upon as insignificant but slowly gained greater and great influence on the pair. The writing of nature and country persons was beautiful as usual, even the inclusion of astrological science was well managed.

Whilst it didn't have the narrative scope of his other novels, it was one I greatly enjoyed.