Scan barcode
A review by rubybooks
Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy
dark
sad
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? Yes
4.0
Tess of the D'Urbervilles is the second book by Hardy that I've read, and I enjoyed it a lot, although I think I do prefer Far From the Madding Crowd. Tess is certainly more tragic, and as I was reading it I knew it would be my favourite required reading of the semester. I especially loved Thomas Hardy's writing!
The story follows Tess Durbeyfield, whose father claims they are related to the rich D'Urberville family. He sends Tess to meet them when the family falls on hard times, but meeting Alec D'Urberville has extreme consequences for Tess. Later, she meets Angel Clare, who offers her a very different type of relationship, but her past threatens everything Tess knows.
Personally, I loved reading about Tess as a character. Yes, she was naive at the beginning - but she was also painfully young at the beginning of the story. I felt so much sympathy for her and I was tense reading so many scenes because I just wanted everything to work out. I absolutely hated Alec - he was so horrible and it's worse because I know men like him exist today. As for Angel, I won't say too much because of spoilers, but I definitely changed my view on him and it really felt that we got into the mind of Tess through the narration.
There really isn't much I can say without spoiling major events, but aside from a few minor issues, I really enjoyed reading this book - as much as you can "enjoy" a tragic story anyway. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this is not for you. It's very tragic, but I found Tess's story so compelling.
The story follows Tess Durbeyfield, whose father claims they are related to the rich D'Urberville family. He sends Tess to meet them when the family falls on hard times, but meeting Alec D'Urberville has extreme consequences for Tess. Later, she meets Angel Clare, who offers her a very different type of relationship, but her past threatens everything Tess knows.
Personally, I loved reading about Tess as a character. Yes, she was naive at the beginning - but she was also painfully young at the beginning of the story. I felt so much sympathy for her and I was tense reading so many scenes because I just wanted everything to work out. I absolutely hated Alec - he was so horrible and it's worse because I know men like him exist today. As for Angel, I won't say too much because of spoilers, but I definitely changed my view on him and it really felt that we got into the mind of Tess through the narration.
There really isn't much I can say without spoiling major events, but aside from a few minor issues, I really enjoyed reading this book - as much as you can "enjoy" a tragic story anyway. If you're looking for a feel-good book, this is not for you. It's very tragic, but I found Tess's story so compelling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Rape