Two on a Tower
Two on a Tower
Book Brief
Beta324
Novel • Fiction
England • 1880s
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Two on a Tower, a woman named Lady Viviette Constantine meets a young astronomer, Swithin St. Cleeve, while observing the stars from an observatory tower. They form a deep bond, navigating societal constraints and personal ambitions amidst Victorian England's rigid class dynamics. Hardy explores themes of love, ambition, and social limitations.
Melancholic
Romantic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
4,790 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Two on a Tower by Thomas Hardy presents a complex tale of romance and social constraints. Critics praise Hardy's vivid descriptions and emotional depth. However, some note that the novel's pacing can be slow and the characters occasionally lack development. The book excels in exploring the intricacies of human relationships against a backdrop of Victorian societal norms.
Who Should Read Two on a Tower?
A reader who enjoys Two on a Tower by Thomas Hardy likely appreciates Victorian romantic dramas centered on social class and forbidden love, similar to those found in Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë. They are drawn to complex characters and poetic, descriptive prose.
4,790 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Two on a Tower was serialized in The Atlantic Monthly before being published in book form in 1882, reflecting Hardy's association with American as well as British literary circles.
Despite being one of Thomas Hardy's lesser-known works, Two on a Tower explores themes of social class and scientific endeavor, a nod to the Victorian era's fascination with astronomy and its impact on society.
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The novel's focus on astronomy was partly inspired by Hardy's own interest in the subject, as he was known to have observed the stars using a telescope, mirroring the protagonist's passion in the story.
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324
Novel • Fiction
England • 1880s
2006
Adult
18+ years
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