Desperate Remedies (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Thomas Hardy (Author), Mary Rimmer (Editor, Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Penguin Classics | Publication Date: August 1, 1998

Hardy described "Desperate Remedies" as a tale of 'mystery, entanglement, surprise and moral obliquity'. Cytherea has taken a position as lady's maid to the eccentric arch-intriguer Miss Aldclyffe. On discovering that the man she loves, Edward Springrove, is already engaged to his cousin, Cytherea comes under the influence of Miss Aldclyffe's fascinating, manipulative steward Manston. Blackmail, murder and romance are among the ingredients of Hardy's first published novel, and in it he draws blithely on the 'sensation novel' perfected by Wilkie Collins. Several perceptive critics praised the author as a novelist with a future when Desperate Remedies appeared anonymously in 1871. In its depiction of country life and insight into psychology and sexuality, it already bears the unmistakable imprint of Hardy's genius.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Hardy launched his writing career with this 1871 novel, which actually was published anonymously. Its sexuality, including lesbianism, was apparently too much of a Victorian eyebrow-raiser for him to attach his name. This edition includes a map, a glossary, and scholarly notes.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

THOMAS HARDY (1840-1928) was recognized, and even revered, as the major literary figure of his time by his contemporaries. Most of his major novels are available in Penguin Classics. MARY RIMMER is Associate Professor of English at the University of New Brunswick in Canada. She has written extensively on Hardy, and is currently writing a book on narrative voice in Hardy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140435239
• ISBN-13: 978-0140435238
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,173,716 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not your typical Hardy, which is almost a good thing, January 30, 2002

By 

Sidsel Roine (Lexington, KY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desperate Remedies (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I think any Literature course covering Thomas Hardy should include a prescription for Prozac along with the syllabus. Hardy's novels are generally brilliant, beautiful, and throughly depressing. Then you come to come to Hardy's first published novel "Desperate Remedies". Definitely "Hardy-Lite" this novel is a sensational, melodramatic story which is very different from the bulk of Hardy's more recognized prose.

the story centers around young Cytherea Graye, who becomes a servant to Miss Auclyffe, a woman with a troubled past. There, she encounters Aeneas Manston, the incredibly handsome and charming steward of Miss Auclyffe, and also a man with a dark secret. He falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful girl and sets out to win her. But alas, Cytherea is already in love with the kind Edward Springrove. Who will ultimately win her? What is the mysterious connection between the steward Manston and Miss Auclyffe? When will people learn not to set fires next to their thatched houses??

I really enjoyed this novel, though at times the melodrama was so thick it was humorous. It reminded me of "Jane Eyre" in many ways, though I felt it was more entertaining than that supposedly great english novel. A lot of twists and turns, very well-written, and an ending very different from your usual Hardy downers. Classic literature? Maybe not, but a fun read and a glimpse of England's greatest novelist before he had mastered his craft.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars lyrical, March 28, 2000

By 

"underwood13" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desperate Remedies (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Hardy is a wonder. This book made me hold my breath. It has the lyrical beauty of poems, and yet the characters are very real people...with compelling stories to tell.

Yes, Hardy is long dead, but I hope that every reader will allow themselves the chance to be put under his spell.

After reading this, I looked at my whole world a little differently, and was reminded of the fragility of the human heart.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good insight into a young Thomas Hardy, August 23, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Desperate Remedies (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

This novel provides insights into the young Thomas Hardy, and portends the great things to come. The plot is flawed and probably influenced by his early need to "go commercial", with a quick unveiling of scandal at the end.

The characters are not as well defined, and the writing not as pithy as in his later prose and poetry, and his literary allusions fall somewhat out of context.

Yet it is a good effort for a young architect in his early thirties who has many great novels to come!