The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy

At Headlines, World Book Day holds a special place in our hearts because telling great stories is what we’re passionate about.  

This year, we asked the team to tell us about their favourite book, poem or piece of writing. From sports gossip to seminal graphic novels – we’ve got eclectic taste! 

Read on ... and you never know, you might find your next book suggestion. 

David Gale – Head of Publishing

What is your favourite thing to read?

I love The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy, which I’ve re-read several times. It was written in the 1800s and starts with the main character Michael Henchard arguing with his wife. Drunk on rum he auctioned her off, along with their baby daughter to a sailor. When he is sober the next day, he is too late to locate his family. He vows not to touch alcohol again and the rest of the book is about him trying to redeem himself.

Why is this your favourite?

I have an interest in historical novels and the picture Hardy paints of the county of Wessex from this time adds to the overall read. To be honest it is a real page-turner, with some great twists and turns and features a strong storyline and characterisation.

What drew you in initially?

The book was assigned for me while I was in school but it’s stayed with me throughout life  and I have re-read it at several different points. Every time I read it I have a different opinion on the events that take place within it.

What does it make you think about or feel?

It has changed my understanding of why certain things happen in life;  the book is one man’s rollercoaster journey through life and it seems to reflect modern life, even though it was written two centuries ago. It has been interesting for me to see my change in perspective about life from when I was younger to now.