Woodlanders

The Woodlanders, written by Thomas Hardy and published in 1887, is set in the fictional village of Little Hintock. The novel follows the struggles of woodsman Giles Winterborne as he attempts to marry his childhood sweetheart, Grace Melbury, whose father disapproves of their union due to Giles' lower social status. This work is notable for its exploration of themes such as class, marriage, and morality, marking a shift in Hardy's writing towards more controversial subjects, including sexual attraction and unconventional narratives.