Reviews with content warning for Stalking - Tess

Reviews tagging 'Stalking'

Tess by Thomas Hardy

21 reviews

claudiahsa's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This was a really eye opening depiction of the lives of rural women in the 19th century, the pressures of familial responsibility versus working life, and external/ internal perceptions of their value. Thomas Hardy explored classism, sexism, relgious/ moral belief systems and the influence they had on gender dynamics and gendered violence. This culminated in a tragic story following Tess Durbeyfield, the revelation that she was a descendent of the once great D’Urberville family, and the events that follow as she comes of age and navigates the wanted and unwanted attentions of men, personal and familial crises and the weight of public opinion and societal beliefs on self worth.

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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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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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yejide's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

I'm only giving it 2 stars because if the TRAUMA this book has now put me through. Yes, I know it's social commentary but i don't give a rat's ass because Hardy was foul for this one. Tess never gets a break. the 2 stars are for Tess and Sorrow alone.

Angel should have stayed in Brazil and never came back icl

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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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