This powerful novel follows Michael Henchard, a man whose impulsive decision in his youth—to sell his wife and child while drunk—haunts the rest of his life. Years later, he becomes a respected and wealthy mayor, but his past resurfaces, leading to a slow and inevitable downfall. Set in the fictional town of Casterbridge, Hardy explores fate, character, and the consequences of human actions. The story paints a deeply emotional portrait of pride, regret, and the struggle for redemption, showing how one mistake can shape an entire life.