well written, just made me sad.

Heartwrenching story. Beautifully written.

I just really want to punch every single male character in the face.

I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this book, and I could have given it 1 star for the oppressive, male world Tess' story resides in, but I don't think that's a flaw in Hardy's novel. Because it was published in the Victorian era, the struggles Tess faced both externally and internally (i.e. blaming herself for being raped, Angel Clare's lack of forgiveness for a "sin" he also committed) are an excellent critique of the high standards the Victorian Era forced on women. Is Tess a feminist heroine? I'm not sure, but she does have her moments. She is not the typical heroine, but I liked her for that, and I also loved that it was not a happily ever after in the traditional sense.

Overall, Hardy made an excellent societal critique, among other themes (nature/industrialization), without being too obvious about it. Tess is a wonderful, interesting character and I enjoyed watching her change throughout the novel as she tried to overcome hardship after hardship. No one catches a break in this book, so I can imagine someone looking for a more modern feminist narrative and/or that happy ending would not find this novel as enjoyable as I did.

Wow this book takes a sharp turn at the 90% mark, was not expecting that ending!

Didn't like it as a whole, Tess seems too weak-willed and inconsistent in her behaviour and the ending is disappointing. This is probably because i was too tired at the end to try interpreting Thomas Hardy's purpose. However, the author managed to produce so many beautiful quotes and his critcism of social conventions is powerful enough to deserve more than 3 stars but my personal dislike made me a little biased

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.

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.

[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.