Andrew Norman’s book is about how the great Dorset man-of-letters described, in his poems and novels, his love for Emma; but also his estrangement from her as their marriage gradually deteriorated over the years; and finally his intense grief at her death. Why did he feel such grief, given the circumstances, and how did he cope with bereavement? Finally, he reveals a liaison which Hardy had with one of his female servants, which took place at Sturminster Newton and had unforeseen consequences!