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Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
Author: Thomas Hardy
Hardy tells the story of Tess Durbeyfield, a beautiful young woman living with her impoverished family in Wessex, the southwestern English county immortalized by Hardy. After the family learns of their connection to the wealthy d'Urbervilles, they send Tess to claim a portion of their fortune.
ISBN-13: 9780330241946
ISBN-10: 033024194X
Publication Date: 1974
Pages: 432
Edition: New Ed
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0 stars, based on 0 rating
Publisher: Pan
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
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Top Member Book Reviews

Leigh avatar reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This novel, although classic, did not move me as many other classics do. Several factors contributed to this, including a violation by a blood relative at the beginning of the novel, overly descriptive language describing the land, and the utter helplessness of the heroine. She is completely unable to stand up for herself. A reader will roll his or her eyes many times at Tess's attempt at self-futility, most pointedly during the scene where her husband reacts to her "secret." Some say her final act in this book makes up for the weakness she exhibits throughout, but for me, I didn't think so. Only recommended if you've got a misogynistic streak.
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reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 5 more book reviews
This is my grandmother's favorite book and I named my dog Tess. It is not an easy story to read because it is so harsh. I still loved it.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 813 more book reviews
Although the experts deem this to be one of Hardys best novels, I found it to be a slow-moving soap opera: a triangular variation of the Hester Prynne-Rev. Dimmesdale saga, but much longer. In this, our heroine, Tess, seduced by a false dUrberville finally marries a Mr. Claire, the third son of a stalwart preacher, only to be immediately spurned by her new husband. What ensues are the trials and tribulations that she faces after being abandoned. It seems that what deserves forgiveness in the gander holds not for the goose. All this ends abruptly and unexpectedly in the conclusion. Hardy forces the readers imagination early in the story and again throughout; one must read between the lines and fill in the details. Thus, amplification of the seduction is largely in the mind of the reader, as are the fates of Tess and Mr. Claire at the conclusion.
gottasalsa avatar reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 38 more book reviews
A beautifully written allegorical insight into changing English mores at a time of great social and economic upheaval. The gross injustice of it through contemporary eyes kept me both angry and intrigued.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 39 more book reviews
The single most depressing book I have ever read. Worse than The House of Sand and Fog, and that is saying something.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on
The text is very good, I have not finished the book yet because of lack of time. What I find most irritating about the book is the non margin on inner side of the pages. Almost impossible to read, a constant struggle to keep the book opened wide enough to read. How did the publishers ever get away with being so stingy with paper?
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 9 more book reviews
Tess is a beautiful character that endures despite hardship, until she finally takes control of her own fate.
BMcP avatar reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on
Although it is your typical classics downer, it is beautifully written and show how, unfortunately, some attitudes about and by women and men have not changed.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 7 more book reviews
Really great tragic love story.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on
A classic. A very good book.
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 51 more book reviews
Undeniably a classic. (But oh-so depressing!)
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 25 more book reviews
This classic cronicles the tragic life of Tess. Habit-forming!
reviewed Tess of the D'Urbervilles on + 28 more book reviews
Of another age yet still timely.


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