A Laodicean

A Laodicean is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1881. Set against the rapidly changing social and technological landscape of late Victorian England, the book explores the tension between tradition and modernity through the life of Paula Power, a wealthy and independent young woman who has inherited a medieval castle and the industrial fortune that supports it.

Paula becomes romantically entangled with George Somerset, an ambitious young architect commissioned to restore her ancestral home. As their relationship develops, Hardy examines questions of class, faith, ambition, and emotional indecision. Somerset’s modern outlook clashes with the old aristocratic values embodied by Captain De Stancy, the last heir of the ancient family that once owned the castle, who is determined to reclaim both the estate and Paula herself.

The novel delves deeply into Paula’s internal conflict as she is pulled between competing suitors and worldviews. Hardy uses the castle — part ancient stronghold, part modern construction site — as a powerful symbol of a society caught between the past and the future. Themes of uncertainty, moral hesitation, and the cost of progress run throughout, giving the novel its title’s meaning: a “Laodicean” stance of wavering commitment.

Less widely read than some of Hardy’s later works, A Laodicean is nevertheless a compelling Victorian novel that blends romance, social commentary, and psychological insight. It offers readers a thoughtful examination of love and identity in an era of change, making it an essential read for those interested in classic English literature and Hardy’s evolving literary vision.