Strong women: mothers, sisters, wives, inspirations

Thomas Hardy is one of the most famous and widely read British writers. His influence on literature and the minds of its readers is unique. But how is it possible that a novelist who created some of the most modern and timeless female characters in literature could actually have troubled relationships with women? In this highly innovative book, acclaimed author Paula Byrne revisits Hardy's life from the perspective of the women who shaped him - his mother, sisters, girlfriends, wives, and muses. The story moves between shocking scenes, such as his obsession with seeing a woman hanged, poignant scenes of unfulfilled passion, and captivating details about the lives of working women in the nineteenth century. Strong Women tells the story of how the remarkable fictional women created by the author would not have existed without the suffering and resilience of the real women who shaped his passion and imagination. By understanding and watching these strong women, we can truly delve into the depths of this great novelist and poet.