The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

Thomas Hardy's masterpiece "The Mayor of Casterbridge" is a profound exploration of character and fate. This Victorian novel follows Michael Henchard's dramatic rise and fall in the rural town of Casterbridge. Hardy's meticulous attention to psychological complexity and social dynamics creates a compelling narrative that examines themes of regret, redemption, and the consequences of impulsive actions. A seminal work in English literature that showcases Hardy's unparalleled ability to blend tragedy with social commentary.