Reviews tagging 'Stalking'

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

18 reviews

fbarros's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Sexual harassment

yejide's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Gaslighting

rbacon's review against another edition

dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

So dramatic. Once you get through the classic style of writing the plot and character are intensely interesting. Some of the pacing is a bit weird, but bear with it and get to the end, because it all kicks off.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual harassment

Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Murder, and Pregnancy

ok7a's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Emotional abuse, Sexism, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Murder and Abandonment

Minor: Child death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Death of parent

mondovertigo's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional 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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny and Stalking

Moderate: Alcoholism, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Child death, Blood, and Murder

coffeecass's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death and Murder

Moderate: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Sexual harassment

vinsynt's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, and Stalking

Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Religious bigotry

alexandra_skl's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Heartbreaking but a fascinating  story about the treatment of women during the Victorian era. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Classism

nicnevin's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional slow-paced

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

4.0

I despised 99% of the characters but it was a good read. Tess deserved better

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Terminal illness, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Classism

evieolive's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

5.0

Brand new fave!!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, and Abandonment

Moderate: Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting

Minor: Alcoholism, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Colonisation