A review by sunselenite
Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Second Edition by Thomas Hardy

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense 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

4.0

A beautiful yet heartbreaking story - while reading I often found myself very upset on behalf of Tess, who had good intentions throughout yet was wronged repeatedly by the actions of men in her life, and ultimately by a society which dooms women based on questionable and demeaning standards. 
The language and descriptions in this story are nice to read, if a bit excessive and dragging at times. The nuances captured for each character are refreshing, giving a thoughtful presentation of individuals both  dealing with or perpetuating wrongdoings.