Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

16 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

ellahoward_'s review against another edition

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

2.75

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy

dasfaultier's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Abandonment

jmkendall0218's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Gaslighting

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

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

atalea's review against another edition

dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, Stalking, Abandonment, and Classism

Moderate: Rape and Sexual harassment

Minor: Animal death, Child death, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy

tmickey's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Stalking, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment

Moderate: Alcoholism, Misogyny, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Grief

Minor: Infidelity and Blood

rachelheth's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad 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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Child death, Misogyny, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Murder