‘The age-old dilemma - mind-blowing passion versus a man who knows how to put up shelves’ Independent

The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival’s choice for the Bonne Maman BIG READ 2010 is Thomas Hardy’s Far From the Madding Crowd.

Over the following weeks we will be adding many more details to this page: forthcoming events and readings, competition prizes, reviews and more information on our online September reading group debate at our sister site www.vintagereadinggroup.co.uk 

For now why not read an extract, find out more about the forthcoming film adaptation of Tamara Drewe (which is inspired by Far From the Madding Crowd ) and take a look at the reading guide for inspiration? But most of all, join the BIG READ, pick up a copy and enter the debate. 

We hope you enjoy!

‘The sky was clear - remarkably clear - and the twinkling of all the stars seemed to be but throbs of one body, timed by a common pulse.’

A classic means something to all ages... 

Read an extract from Far From the Madding Crowd	Watch a video clip from John Schlesinger's 1967 film adaptation of Julie Christie playing Bathsheba Everdene	TAMARA DREWE is released in cinemas nationwide on 10th September. Visit the facebeook page to find out more.

'Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd is the most romantic book I have ever read. I love the line where he says: "Whenever you look up, there I shall be - and whenever I look up there will be you." It is very simple and understated, but also incredibly romantic' Liz Jensen, Independent

FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD READING GUIDE

In September we will be discussing the book online with libraries across the UK on the Vintage Reading Group. Take an advance look at the reading guide here to get ahead of the game!

Bathsheba Everdene arrives in the small village of Weatherbury and captures the heart of three very different men; Gabriel Oak, a quiet shepherd, the proud, obdurate Farmer Boldwood and dashing, unscrupulous Sergeant Troy. The battle for her affections will have dramatic, tragic and surprising consequences in this classic tale of love and misunderstanding.

Cast of Characters

Bathsheba Everdene – beautiful, intelligent and independent. The heroine of the novel whose looks and deeds captivate three very different men: Gabriel Oak, William Boldwood and Sergeant Troy. ‘Bathsheba’s was an impulsive nature under a deliberative aspect. An Elizabeth in brain and a Mary Stuart in spirit, she often performed actions of the greatest temerity with a manner of extreme discretion. Many of her thoughts were perfect syllogisms; unluckily they always remained thoughts. Only a few were irrational assumptions; but, unfortunately, they were the ones which most frequently grew into deeds.’

DOWNLOAD THE COMPLETE READING GUIDE HERE:
INCLUDES BIOGRAPHY, QUESTIONS, SYNOPSIS, CAST OF CHARACTERS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER READING

‘She resolved never again, by look or by sign, to interrupt the steady flow of this man’s life. But a resolution to avoid an evil is seldom framed till the evil is so far advanced as to make avoidance impossible.’
 

‘Cheltenham’s Big Read is a wonderful initiative - at Vintage Classics we recognise that reading can be a solitary pursuit and that there is nothing quite like sharing your passion for a book and discussing your interpretation of a novel. For instance, do Gabriel Oak’s stoic charms beat Heathcliffe’s brooding sulks or Darcy’s mystery? (For my money yes, he’s the best romantic hero you’ll ever meet). We hope the 2010 Big Read will encourage people in Gloucestershire and across the globe to revisit Far From the Madding Crowd as well as discover it for the first time. Vintage Classics is delighted to be partnering with The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival and Gloucestershire libraries because celebrating reading and sharing our literary passions is what we're all about.’

LAURA HASSAN, VINTAGE CLASSICS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR