Reviews

Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

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planetshannon's review against another edition

2.0

This is the 62th title read for my "Those Books" exploration, and my second Thomas Hardy (also read Far From the Madding Crowd). Neither were favourites, and although the writing is beautiful I didn't like either story or either of the depictions of women. I think it may be time to move on.

coffeeandcopyrights's review against another edition

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5.0

No one writes like Hardy.

This "ahead of his time" feminist, did due justice to helping us understand the impossibility of being a virtuous woman during Victorian times. Hardy story of Tess will break your heart, and immediately make you empathetic of any young woman of less than great means during that era.

What I love about the story, and what I love about Thomas Hardy, is, he doesn't stray away from the realities of the time. Unlike some of his contemporaries, Hardy spends a great deal of time walking you through the daily life of a young woman who has a pure heart, and pure love for her family, yet the constraints of the time that were literally forced upon her, make it completely impossible for her to ever have peace in her life.

Thomas Hardy is infinitely re-readable, and this is my second reread of this novel, but it will not be my last. If you have been sleeping on Thomas Hardy, or if you have been afraid of picking up Victorian literature, because you believe it will be bland, look no further. Thomas Hardy offers up a tragically.

This unique story that will stay with you for a lifetime.

_shelbye's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

monic96's review against another edition

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5.0

[Warning Spoilers]WHAT THE HECK IS WITH THE ENDING!?!?!?!?!? This is the type of book in which you fall in love with the characters only to be disappointed in them in the end. I mean, come on Angel, if you love Tess than love her truly despite her past; actually because of what she went through you should love her even more. And Tess, yes really, really sorry for what you happened to you, and I truly admire you for getting back on your feet even after your trauma and Angel's abandonment, but when Angel came back instead of having courage enough to kill Alec, use it leave Alec and escape with Angel. Final statement, really good book and good moral lessons, but crappy ending.