In a moment of reckless abandon fueled by alcohol, Michael Henchard makes the shocking decision to sell his wife and infant daughter to the highest bidder at a local fair. Haunted by his actions, he vows to give up drinking and rebuild his life. Eighteen years later, just as he has achieved success and become the esteemed Mayor of Casterbridge, fate intervenes when his wife and daughter return, forcing him to confront the past and the choices that shaped his destiny. - Summary by Alisson Veldhuis