Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy
This novel tells the story of Jude Fawley, a working-class young man who dreams of becoming a scholar. The traditional class structure in 19th-century England prevents him from realizing his dream and his only solace is his love for his cousin, Sue Bridehead. Their scandalous relationship and the tragic events that follow form the heart of the narrative, which explores themes of love, class, religion, and morality.
The 197th greatest book of all time
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following lists:
- 15th on D. G. Myers’ 50 Greatest English Language Novels (D. G. Myers)
- 23rd on The 100 Greatest British Novels (BBC)
- 36th on The 100 Greatest Novels of All Time: The List (The Observer)
- 76th on The 100 Favorite Novels of Librarians (Bookman.com)
- 98th on The 100 Greatest Novels (greatbooksguide.com)
- 111th on The Big Read (BBC)
- 129th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- 129th on The Complete 500: OCLC (OCLC)
- The Best Classics (The Times)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)
- Finest Works of Fiction (Martin Seymour-Smith and Editors)
- Famous Authors Name Their Favorite Novels(from 1915) (New York Times)
- Masterpieces of World Literature (Frank N. Magill)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- 100 Best Novels Written in English (The Guardian)