HIGHLY disappointed that Hardy didn’t give that trifling, troublesome, self-satisified little girl what she had coming. The ending rather spoiled what was otherwise a great novel. The only other complaint is how long and tedious and repetitive were the scenes of De Stancy’s inability to take “No” for an answer. Come to think of it, none of the principle players were altogether likeable: Paula was a coquette, De Stancy a boor, and Somerset clingy and needy. I suppose it was only Hardy’s writing that saved the thing. This is the first time I can remember any scene in Hardy’s novels taking place outside of England. I wonder if there are any other such scenes in his works?

Edit: Well, on a second reading, some four years later, I find myself having much more sympathy for Paula, bullied and bothered as she was by the various men who pursued her. I wonder if there were enough changes in the Wessex edition by Hardy from the original serialized version to change my opinion. I still couldn't enjoy the continental scenes at all; they've nothing at all to do with what Hardy is best at. This must be my least favorite of Hardy's novels, but even so it's enjoyable merely by being Hardy's writing. ( )

My immediate thoughts: why was this was so intricately prolonged? and then, I similarly enjoyed it because it was Hardy -- complicated relationships: convoluted and extensive, mixed up and tricky; and award-winning story telling. I gave him four stars, though A Laodicean will probably be my least favorite of the Hardys I have read. This is a good story for Hardy fans who adore his narratives about relationships and people and don't mind being bogged down in long-winded details about every day life. Be prepared for a longer than usual read. ( )

I love the odd books that LIbriVox turns up. I really enjoy this reader and have been seeking out his books that are mostly English Victorians. This was an unknown to me Thomas Hardy, not typical of what I usually think of as Hardy but quote enjoyable. Mainly a love story with devious characters and side plots and deceptions and a rather totally unexepected ending.

I don’t consider “A Laodicean” as a Hardy classic, but it does feature some quality scenes. In short, it’s entertaining in parts, but average on the whole. ( )

I love Thomas Hardy. His writing is magnificent but this book was not up to par. He seemed too caught up in describing the pastoral scenery in this work. ( )