Thomas Hardy's deterministic art achieves fanatic intensity and raw perfection in the characterization of Jude Fawley, an impoverished stone mason who aspires to the ministry. Throughout his agonized existence, the cloistered halls and facades of Christminister--where Jude wishes to study--tempt and mock him to rid himself of ignorance. His failure to fulfill the expectations of either of the two women he loves, and the violent deaths of his children...

"Death is only a stone's throw away. When a series of accidents begin to occur during the building of the chapel at Queen's College, they do not appear a cause for major concern. But they quickly grow more serious, and stonemasons are injured. Nicholas Elyot becomes involved after it is discovered that an intruder has reached the college by way of his garden. And when Jordain Brinkylsworth 's youngest student goes missing, it seems at first that his...

Learning elemental magic from her witch aunt after her Tennessee coal miner father's black-lung death, Anna May falls in love with a stonemason who abandons his work as a gravestone cutter to pursue true art.

Jude Fawley is a poor stone carver who is tricked into a loveless marriage and ultimately forced to give up his dreams of a university education. After his wife deserts him, he begins a scandalous relationship with his cousin Sue Bridehead.