Reviews with content warning for Sexual harassment - Tess of the D'urbervilles

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Reviews tagging 'Sexual harassment'

Tess of the D'urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

26 reviews

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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marirosebel's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

This is a tragedy. And tragedies end how they end. At least she took her rapist down with her. And her loser husband has to spend the rest of life filled with regret.

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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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andibez's review against another edition

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sad slow-paced

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

3.75

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stephanieanneauthor'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? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I remember the first time I ever heard my dad mention this book. He said it was awful because of the way poor Tess was treated. Horrible things kept happening to her, which made this book depressing to read. Boy was he right. Despite the way that I did enjoy the book, it was truly heartbreaking. Even though I went into this expecting to be depressed, the story still broke my heart. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs (which was not advisable since I listened to the audiobook on the bus). But that just goes to show how well written this frustrating tale of suffering and double standards is.
(On that note, I really wish Angel had suffered much, MUCH more).

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