u/DMBrimer

I just finished “The Woodlanders” and I must say I was as knocked out by it as all the other Hardy novels I’ve read. This left me wondering, why is this novel not placed on the same footing as the big five that everyone knows of? I understand it has a strong critical reception (deservedly so) but it clearly doesn’t share the same fame as Tess, Maddening Crowd, Native, Casterbridge, or Jude.

So I ask the Reddit lit community their thoughts. Is this the most underrated, or do you feel another is more deserving? Inquiring minds want to know!