Arbie, I have not forgotten your recommendation of A Laodicean. I just figured Jude might be a good one to read next as I know it is going to be depressing.
Nothing wrong with weird! :) I'm intrigued. And of course, if it gets too dark and depressing I still have a A Laodicean to look forward to for cheering up, right?
The Mayor of Casterbridge will always be my favourite, but if you want something a bit lighter after tackling Jude, give Under the Greenwood Tree a go. Its like FFTMC, but with a little less angst.
It's the character of Michael Henchard. He's a very flawed individual and makes a horrendous error of judgement (getting drunk and selling your wife and child to a passing sailor is not the wisest course of action) but then spends the rest of his life trying to make amends. Of course this isn't good enough for Hardy, who delights in bringing him down. I should say though, the female characters in the book aren't some of his best.
I may have to hold off on this one. From your description, it sounds like I might want to smack the main character with his own book for the duration of the reading experience. Not sure I'm up for that anytime soon.
A Laodicean will at least give you a chuckle at the end...
What stands out for you in MoC?