Life's Little Ironies: A Set of Tales with Some Colloquial Sketches Entitled a Few Crusted Characters

Life's Little Ironies is a collection of short stories by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1894. The narratives delve into the complexities of human experiences, focusing on themes of love, social class, and the unforeseen consequences of choices. Notably, the story 'The Son’s Veto' illustrates the struggles of a young woman, Sophy, against societal expectations and personal desires, setting the tone for the poignant ironies that permeate the collection. Hardy's exploration of characters' lives in Wessex highlights the impact of social constraints on individual choices.