This was my first ever Hardy, and I had chosen it to read as an autumnal novel. It couldn't have been more appropriate for that.

Tess of the D'Urbervilles is a scathing social and religious critique, wrapped up in coming of age romance. Hardy's masterful injection of metaphor into the characters, events, and even the land itself highlights many of the issues of his day, some of which are still prevelant today, others the shadows of which can be seen geographically and anthopologically.

This title is accused of being depressing, and whilst that's an entirely understandable accusation, I was far more inthralled in his ideas about paganism, nature, life, and simplicity - all of which are muddied by societal rules and biases.

I loved reading this. It was a joy, from a literary standpoint.