Thomas Hardy's The Mayor Of Casterbridge: "Some folks want their luck buttered."

The novel features Michael Henchard, a tragic hero whose past mistakes, including selling his wife and daughter, haunt him as he tries to reform his life. Set in the fictional Casterbridge, mirroring Hardy's own Dorchester, the story explores themes of remorse, fate, and social constraints in Victorian society. Hardy's vivid characterizations and striking descriptions create a rich narrative that reflects his advocacy for social reform and critiques class boundaries. This tightly woven tale showcases Hardy's literary prowess and remains a celebrated work in English literature.