The result of the latest Classics Club Spin has been revealed today.
The idea of the Spin was to list twenty books from my Classics Club list, number them 1 to 20, and the number announced by the Classics Club represents the book I have to read before 3rd March 2024. The number that has been selected is…
20
And this means the book I need to read is…
The Trumpet Major by Thomas Hardy
Thomas Hardy’s only historical novel, The Trumpet Major is set in Wessex during the Napoleonic Wars. Hardy skilfully immerses us in the life of the day, making us feel the impact of historical events on the immemorial local way of life – the glamour of the coming of George III and his soldiery, fears of the press-gang and invasion, and the effect of distant but momentous events like the Battle of Trafalgar.
He interweaves a compelling, bitter-sweet romantic love story of the rivalry of two brothers for the hand of the heroine Anne Garland, played out against the loves of a lively gallery of other characters. While there are elements of sadness and even tragedy, The Trumpet-Major shows Hardy’s skills of story-telling, characterisation and description in a novel of vitality, comedy and warmth.
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This wasn’t one I was particularly hoping for – I would have liked something shorter and lighter – but I always love Hardy, so I’m not unhappy with this result!
Have you read this book? What did you think of it?
She Reads Novels 
Ah, I nearly read this for my B-Sides project but ended up with Two on a Tower instead! You must let us know how it goes…
I’ll definitely let you know! I’ve read nearly all of Hardy’s A-Sides and B-Sides now and enjoyed them all. After this one I think I only have two more to read, plus his short stories.
Ah, amazing! I’ve only really read the A-sides, but he’s got quite a substantial bibliography. I’ve been trying to read a Dickens per year and am nearly out, so once I finish the last of those I may well move on to an annual Hardy.
I haven’t read it but usually enjoy Hardy, so I’ll be looking forward to hearing what you think of it. Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks! I usually enjoy Hardy too, so it’s a good result for me. I had hoped for something shorter, though!
I want to say that this is one of the lighter Hardys, but I’m really not sure, it’s been so long since I read it. I guess I should put it on my next CC list!
I hope it is a lighter one, but I suppose I’ll find out soon!
His earlier ones were lighter, and I think this is an earlier one.
This was the first book by Thomas Hardy that I read, I think it was in the second year at secondary school. I remember very little about it, except that it was set during the Napoleonic Wars and I wasn’t too impressed. I’ve been meaning to re-read it for years to see what I think of it now. I’ll look out for your review.
I think a lot of us get put off certain classic books and authors because of having to read them at school when we’re probably too young to appreciate them. I love Hardy now but am not sure what I would have thought as a teenager.
Well, if you’re a fan of his writing, then I’m glad you got this one. I’ve yet to read him…
It’s always nice to get a book by an author you already know and love!
Oh interesting, I didn’t realise this was a Napoleonic story; I hope you enjoy it!
It sounds a bit different from most of the other Hardy novels I’ve read, so I’m looking forward to it.
Good luck! I’m not a Hardy fan so I feel for you… ;D
Thanks! I usually love Hardy, but I know he’s not to everyone’s taste!
It’s many years since I read this and I can’t remember much about it other than I wasn’t enthralled by it. It just didn’t have the same level of tension that you get in his more famous titles like Tess and Mayor of Casterbridge
I suppose those books are more famous for a reason! I’ll lower my expectations for this one, but hopefully I’ll still enjoy it.
I’m not familiar with this Thomas Hardy book, though like you, I do enjoy reading him. I hope this ends up being one of his good ones. 😀
I hope so too!