Henchard is a handsome farm labourer. When he gets drunk at a country fair, he sells his wife and child to a sailor. The next day, ashamed by what he has done, he lets people believe that his wife has died. Thus begins a chain of events which leads Henchard deep into dishonesty and betrayal. Repentant and determined to change his ways, Henchard works hard to improve his fortunes. He becomes rich, and is elected mayor of Casterbridge - though his temper and his pride make him difficult to like. When Henchard's wife and daughter come back to find him, will he accept them? And what might they want from him? Will a reunion mean a happy ending?

 

This book is part of a book series called Real Reads .

This book has been graded for interest at 8-12 years. This book is part of a reading scheme, meaning that it is a book aimed at children who are learning to read. This reading scheme is not levelled.

There are 64 pages in this book. This book was published 2012 by Real Reads .

THOMAS HARDY (1840-1928) was an English novelist and poet. London-based illustrator ANN KRONHEIMER specialises in children's publishing, picture and story books, early readers and educational books for infants up to young adults. She uses a dip pen and ink, sometimes with a wash and sometimes just line, combining traditional style with modern imagery. Maxine Linnell is a trained psychotherapist and has written poetry, plays, short stories and novels. She loves gardens and gardening, walking and singing. Helen Armstrong has worked as a professional teacher and trainer, and writes training guides on child welfare and child safety. She is married and lives in Wiltshire. Ann Kronheimer is an illustrator living in London.