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Thomas Hardy

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Thomas HardyFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1891

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Book Brief

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Thomas Hardy

Tess of the D'Urbervilles

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1891
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1880s

Publication Year

1891

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Tess of the D'Urbervilles follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman who becomes an unwed mother after meeting the wealthy Alec d'Urberville. She moves on to work as a dairymaid and falls in love with Angel Clare, but her past catches up with her, leading to tragic consequences. The novel explores themes of social stigma, gender, class injustice, and the inevitability of fate. References to rape are included.

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

299,061 ratings

67%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles is praised for its rich narrative and tragic heroine, depicting rural England with evocative prose. Critics admire its emotional depth and social critique. However, some find fault with its melodramatic elements and perceived pessimism. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of injustice and resilience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Tess of the D'Urbervilles?

Readers who appreciate intricate character studies, the exploration of social injustices, and tragic narratives will enjoy Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. Fans of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights and Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations will find its Victorian-era setting and themes compelling.

4.0

299,061 ratings

67%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1880s

Publication Year

1891

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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