Under the Greenwood Tree - Book 2

Under the Greenwood Tree

1872

Written by Thomas Hardy

This is the second book that I have read from the 100 Classic Book Collection.

The novel follows the romance of Dick Dewy and Fancy Day who live in the small English town of Mellstock. The plot also involves the church choir being replaced by a new organ.

I enjoyed reading this book. The books gives a great description of English town life in the late 1800s. The courtship of Dick and Fancy is very complicated and I'm glad that we aren't quite as governed by rules and etiquette in the present. 

Technology also plays a role in this novel. The organ replaces the traditional role of the choir in the town church, which reflects how technology often replaces the traditional in many instances.

Thomas Hardy writes very descriptive prose. There were many passages in the novel that felt cinematic, and I could actually imagine camera shots and movements while reading some of the passages.

Rustin Allison