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Two on a Tower (1882) is a novel by English author Thomas Hardy, classified by him as a romance and fantasy and now regarded as one of his minor works. The book is one of Hardy's Wessex novels, set in a parallel version of late Victorian Dorset.

The plot concerns two - literally starcrossed - lovers: Swithin St. Cleeve, a very young amateur astronomer, and Viviette Constantine, an unhappily married and abandoned woman 10 years his senior.

Each night Swithin climbs the old tower of the title, in the grounds of the Constantine estate. Lady Constantine, whose husband has been absent some years on an extended hunting and exploring journey to Africa, joins the young man in his stargazing, and supports his astronomical ambitions by buying him equipment, though his dreams of scientific renown are disappointed. Their relationship then deepens and takes several twists and turns.

This is Hardy's most complete treatment of the theme of love across the class and age divide and the fullest expression of his fascination with science and astronomy.

Because the book defied the social norms of the day, upon release the book was called shocking, repulsive, and one critic called it Hardy's 'worst yet.'

© 2016 Anncona Media AB (Audiobook): 9789176057728

Release date

Audiobook: 14 April 2016