The Mayor of Casterbridge

"The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a novel written by the English author Thomas Hardy. It was first published in 1886 and is one of Hardy's most well-known works. The novel is set in the fictional town of Casterbridge and tells the story of Michael Henchard, a poor and unemployed hay-trusser who, in a fit of drunkenness, sells his wife and infant daughter at a fair. Years later, Henchard has become the respected and wealthy mayor of Casterbridge.
The novel explores themes of fate, redemption, and the consequences of one's past actions as Henchard's past deeds come back to haunt him. Thomas Hardy is known for his depictions of rural life in England and his exploration of complex characters facing moral and social dilemmas. "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is one of his major works, characterized by its rich character development and exploration of human flaws and strengths.
The novel is often studied for its portrayal of Victorian society and its enduring themes.