In this article we will review Two on a Tower by Thomas Hardy.
Book Plot
‘Then they proceeded to scan the sky, roving from planet to star, from single stars to double stars, from double to coloured stars…’
Hardy’s atmospheric, moving story of star-crossed lovers shows human beings at the mercy of forces far beyond their control, setting a tragic drama of human passion and conflict against a background of vast stellar space and scientific discovery. Two on a Tower tells the story of Lady Constantine, who breaks all the rules of decorum when she falls in love with the beautiful youth Swithin St Cleeve, her social inferior and ten years her junior. Together, in an ancient monument converted into an astronomical observation tower, they create their own private universe – until the pressures of the outside world threaten to destroy it.
Two on a Tower Rating : 3,7
Also book has 336 pages
Two on a Tower Review
I believe this novel may bring attention to the issues that arise when the focus is solely on creating a plot, while neglecting the development of the characters – a common tactic in much of today’s commercial fiction. In this story, every character seems to be confined to the rigid structure of the plot. The only aspect that interested me was how the plot would unfold. The writing itself felt like a difficult obstacle course, especially with the excessive use of classical references and quotes from famous poets. The characters lacked depth and the dialogue felt artificial. The hero’s passion for astronomy seemed cliché, reminiscent of something from a beginner’s guide. The actions of the two lovers seemed unrealistic and forced by the plot rather than their own motivations.
It seems that the author may be limited in his storytelling abilities, as he once again explores themes of romantic disillusionment and advocates for women’s rights, a theme he executed more effectively in Tess.
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