Under the Greenwood Tree (Thomas Hardy)

Thomas Hardy
Under the Greenwood Tree: A Rural Painting of the Dutch School

A shortish story marrying a romance with descriptions of rural life and social attitudes whilst being replaced by modern methods the tool of which is the romance protagonist. Beautifully written. An early Hardy novel and first of the Wessex series.

Little Dorrit (Charles Dickens)

Charles Dickens
Little Dorrit

An excellent read although some may think it overlong. Probably not as many amusing characters as usual with Dickens but a great story of imprisonment, greed, selfishness and selflessness. And love. The ups and downs of the many main characters binds the story and the moral messages together with a few surprises thrown into the mix. Do Not Forget...