A Laodicean

A Laodicean by Thomas Hardy is a novel published by Penguin Books Limited in 1997, featuring 427 pages in English. The story centers on Paula Power, the daughter of a wealthy railway magnate, who inherits De Stancy Castle, an ancient structure in need of modernization. She hires George Somerset, a young architect, to oversee the renovations, leading to a complex love triangle involving Somerset and Captain De Stancy, who represents a more traditional worldview.

Readers will find that the narrative explores Paula’s internal conflict, not only in her romantic choices but also in her views on religion, politics, and social progress. This edition includes an introduction and notes that provide insights into these themes, enhancing the reader’s understanding of Hardy’s perspectives. The novel’s exploration of personal and societal dilemmas reflects the author’s own ambiguities, making it a significant work within the realms of fiction and literary classics.