Thomas Hardy

As  the New Year dawns my mind always gravitates towards some new reading projects to jiggle the grey matter and something invariably suggests itself right out of the blue.
My 2006 writer of the year was unexpectedly Margaret Atwood.I read or re-read all of her novels bar one (The Robber Bride still waiting) plus plenty of fascinating background reading on Canadian Literature too.
No lists of books I WILL read in 2007 here because I'm going where the spirit leads, and it has led me right to the feet of Thomas Hardy The Time-Torn Man by Claire Tomalin which appeared amongst my Christmas presents. Decision made.
I've read Thomas Hardy on and off, mostly because someone's made me, either Miss Maud at Nonsuch Girl's who dragged us through The Trumpet Major (better known to us as The Crumpet Major but the less said about that the better) or The Open University who introduced me to Far From the Madding Crowd. Beyond that very little known about or read.That's always enough to give me that buzz about some new territory.
I've had a bit of a love hate affair with biographies over the years, it's amazing how everyone's life can suddenly get a bit mundane and boring no matter how famous they are, Emma Hamilton being the very notable exception.The lady did not do boring.
The added attraction is with Thomas Hardy is atmospheric visits.We are but a couple of hours from Hardy country so there'll be forays up to St Juliot and over to Dorchester.
To be sensible I should start with his first novel and work through, but sensible is not always most interesting so suggestions welcome.
I'll have to get a move on because there's a biography of one of my real favourites due out in February and I know that's going to start another whole lot of reading.