I was developing a theory that literature written before the advent of film lacked the craft of evocative prose and the arrival of cinema for everyone forced writers to up their game and increase the pace beyond the soporific ramblings in this particular example[Woodlanders]. Then I realised it was tosh because Dickens puts you right there in the action as convincingly as watching a movie. Hardy was just a droney old cund.
I am currently three quarters the way through A Gentleman in Moscow.Literally **** all has happened so far but I must say it is beautifully written. I can thoroughly recommend it.