I continue to very much enjoy Thomas Hardy's novels.
This one is set in a different corner of England - a heavily wooded area (thus the novel's title), with many characters earning a living based on the forests. Towns here are small; townsfolk mostly unsophisticated.
Giles Winterbourne - expert in all tree things, including planting - also operates an itinerant cider-pressing business.
Marty South - also expert, works closely with Winterbourne.
George Melbury - timber merchant who sends his only child, a daughter (Grace), for expensive education and has high hopes for her.
Young doctor (Fitzpiers) has settled in town but stays rather aloof, at least at the beginning.
An attractive, wealthy, young widow (Mrs. Charmond) in a big house. Also rather aloof.
These and other characters work out their relationships in manner that Hardy accomplishes these things - interesting plot, wonderful descriptions of the local landscape and activities.
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