Reviews tagging 'Death'

Tess by Thomas Hardy

27 reviews

karlin0336's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I felt so bad for Tess the whole time I was reading this.  This classic was very well written, and a very sad read.  I had to kinda push through the middle of it (it really slowed down after the very beginning), but the ending was a breeze.

I greatly disliked Angel.  His unwillingness to forgive the fact that Tess had been raped, and how he shunned her because of it, was just so unfair.  And don't get me started on Alec.  He was creepy and manipulative and horrible.
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emzvoice's review against another edition

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dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

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heartsfromjaney's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad medium-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? It's complicated

3.75

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fbarros's review against another edition

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4.25

Tess is one of the most frustratingly tragic characters I’ve come across. Every decision she makes seems to dig her deeper into trouble. She's constantly surrounded by some of the worst, most manipulative people imaginable that take advantage of her innocence at all costs. It’s painful to see her ignore her gut and sacrifice herself, trying to please her family and secure a better life for her siblings.

I absolutely hate Alec. Actually, I hate most of the men in this book. Even her husband, Angel—who knows nothing's Tess’s fault—abandons her when she needs him the most. It's infuriating. But the women? The women are powerful, complicated, and resilient in their own ways.

My only real complaint is the length. It felt too long, dragging at points where it didn’t need to. Still, it’s a heartbreaking, emotional ride that’s going to stick with me.

Everything about this book is infuriating, sad, and depressing, and honestly... it’s a lot to take in.

PS: A random part of the book that hit me harder than expected was the death of the horse. It shouldn't have, but it reminded me of my own mare who passed away last year. 😭 


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crimsonash606's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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

4.5

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eldane's review against another edition

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I ran out of time, plus I wasn't really interested in reading a book in which the female protagonist is constantly taken advantage of by men. She has no spine, and any personality seems to vaporize any time a man comes near her. All she does is endure tragedy after tragedy, and then she dies. Woof.
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_quinnsreads's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

It feels wrong rating this book 5. But I gave it 5 stars not because I liked how "dark and depressing" this book is but because I got caught up with the story. Reminds me how tragic human lives could end up in effect of unfavorable circumstances and the evils living among us. 
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rbacon's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense 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? It's complicated
So dramatic. Once you get through the classic style of writing the plot and character are intensely interesting. Some of the pacing is a bit weird, but bear with it and get to the end, because it all kicks off.
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ellahoward_'s review against another edition

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sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

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reesespuff6's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional inspiring sad 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? No

3.0

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