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Reviews tagging 'Murder'

Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

45 reviews

15_79_57_pq's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

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claudiahsa's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a really eye opening depiction of the lives of rural women in the 19th century, the pressures of familial responsibility versus working life, and external/ internal perceptions of their value. Thomas Hardy explored classism, sexism, relgious/ moral belief systems and the influence they had on gender dynamics and gendered violence. This culminated in a tragic story following Tess Durbeyfield, the revelation that she was a descendent of the once great D’Urberville family, and the events that follow as she comes of age and navigates the wanted and unwanted attentions of men, personal and familial crises and the weight of public opinion and societal beliefs on self worth. 
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karlin0336's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I felt so bad for Tess the whole time I was reading this.  This classic was very well written, and a very sad read.  I had to kinda push through the middle of it (it really slowed down after the very beginning), but the ending was a breeze.

I greatly disliked Angel.  His unwillingness to forgive the fact that Tess had been raped, and how he shunned her because of it, was just so unfair.  And don't get me started on Alec.  He was creepy and manipulative and horrible.
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emzvoice's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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nujhakhan's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

read for ~english lit~ a levels :)
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the_bookwormhole_'s review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced

2.5

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fbarros's review against another edition

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4.25

Tess is one of the most frustratingly tragic characters I’ve come across. Every decision she makes seems to dig her deeper into trouble. She's constantly surrounded by some of the worst, most manipulative people imaginable that take advantage of her innocence at all costs. It’s painful to see her ignore her gut and sacrifice herself, trying to please her family and secure a better life for her siblings.

I absolutely hate Alec. Actually, I hate most of the men in this book. Even her husband, Angel—who knows nothing's Tess’s fault—abandons her when she needs him the most. It's infuriating. But the women? The women are powerful, complicated, and resilient in their own ways.

My only real complaint is the length. It felt too long, dragging at points where it didn’t need to. Still, it’s a heartbreaking, emotional ride that’s going to stick with me.

Everything about this book is infuriating, sad, and depressing, and honestly... it’s a lot to take in.

PS: A random part of the book that hit me harder than expected was the death of the horse. It shouldn't have, but it reminded me of my own mare who passed away last year. 😭 


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gauriraut's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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brianreadsbooks's review against another edition

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

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yejide's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I'm only giving it 2 stars because if the TRAUMA this book has now put me through. Yes, I know it's social commentary but i don't give a rat's ass because Hardy was foul for this one. Tess never gets a break. the 2 stars are for Tess and Sorrow alone.
Angel should have stayed in Brazil and never came back icl
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