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Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 2nd edition: (1891) (Broadview Editions)
Tess of the d'Urbervilles 2nd edition - 1891 - Broadview Editions
Author: Thomas Hardy
This classic novel tells the story of how the poor rural couple John and Joan Durbeyfield become convinced that they are descended from the ancient family of d'Urbervilles. They encourage their innocent daughter Tess to cement a connection with the d'Urberville family, including their unprincipled son Alec, with tragic consequences. "A P...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781551117515
ISBN-10: 1551117517
Publication Date: 2/12/2007
Pages: 480
Edition: 2
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 1

4.5 stars, based on 1 rating
Publisher: Broadview Press
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
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DLeahL avatar reviewed Tess of the d'Urbervilles, 2nd edition: (1891) (Broadview Editions) on + 48 more book reviews
This book centers around the adult life of a young woman - Tess Darbyfield. Tess is a very likeable and admirable character - unfortunately, however, she lives in a world within which she has little freedom to determine her own fate. She is moral and independent. She is also poor, female and uneducated.

Her native intelligence and beauty serve as a double edged sword in her life. People are attracted to her innocent beauty and the charming way she expresses herself, and so they build their own image of what the "real" Tess is like. Unfortunately for Tess, when her true personality is divined and proves to deconstruct their idealized fantasy, it is she herself who tends to suffer the consequences of shattered illusions.

This a very readable, engrossing book. It can be tempting to race through the story line and miss the beautiful poetic descriptions of early 19th century life in South Central England (Wessex). If this happens to you, just go on the ride. A second reading will reveal the poetry of his phrasing; the enveloping descriptions of sight, sound and scent;the exquisite symbolism and other displays of master craftmanship.

This book is a classic for a reason.It's really too bad that it's taught in high school and college literature overview classes. Don't let this put you off or intimidate you. The language is very easy to read and,even though the setting might be quite different than that of a modern day American, the story has a timeless appeal.

If you haven't read any novels by Hardy, you have a treat in store for you and will most likely go on a run through his fictional work. If you read this or another Hardy book as an assignment 10 or 20 years ago, it's time for a re-read.


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