I remember my Dad in the late 1980’s reading some of the Thomas Hardy novels. I got the impression it was totally unenjoyable chore, the writing had really dated and was heavy going …. but Dad saw it out as a personal point of principle.
More Than A Carpenter.
Gifted to me by a Kings Church lay preacher, who I used to work with. Just not for me, I gave up a chapter and half in. Consigning me to hell :(.