Mayor of Casterbridge (version 3) by Thomas Hardy is a captivating and tragic tale of a man's rise and fall in a small English town. The story follows Michael Henchard, a man who sells his wife and daughter while drunk, only to regret his actions and vow to change his ways.

As Henchard becomes the mayor of Casterbridge, he tries to make amends for his past mistakes but struggles to escape the consequences of his actions. He is a complex character, flawed yet sympathetic, and Hardy's portrayal of him is both realistic and haunting.

The novel is filled with rich descriptions of the English countryside and detailed characterizations that bring the story to life. Hardy's writing is elegant and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of Casterbridge and its inhabitants.

Overall, Mayor of Casterbridge (version 3) is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the consequences of our actions. It is a timeless classic that will stay with readers long after they have finished the last page.

Book Description:
In a fit of drunkenness, Michael Henchard sells his wife and baby daughter to the highest bidder at a country fair. He lives with regret and swears off drink, until his wife and daughter return eighteen years later, when he is now well-off and the Mayor of Casterbridge.