Tess of the D'Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy - ★★★★

[John]

Neighbors laughed when John Durbyfield, an uneducated peasant, claimed that he was a descendent from a noble Norman family, the D'Urbervilles, present during the time of William the Conquerer, which he learned from the local parson and amateur geneologist. When his work horse is killed in a collision with a speeding buggy, he loses his sole means to eke out a living. Since his oldest daughter, Tess, was driving his father's wagon at the time, she feels obligated to seek assistance from a wealthy widow, Mrs. D'Urbervilles, by claiming to be family. She is provided employment managing the widow's chicken farm. While at the mansion, she meets the widow's son, Alec, who is insistent that Tess allow him to kiss her as well as other liberties. Although unclear, this Victorian novel implies that Alec rapes Tess when he finds her asleep. She becomes pregnant but she miscarries.

Two years later she is able to find employment as a milkmaid at a nearby dairy where she encounters Angel Clare, the son of a influential parson. Although Angel's father wants him to attend university to become a minister, he only wants to work at the dairy to gain experience to start his own farm. When the two fall in love and want to marry, Tess is no longer a virgin because of the rape. How can she tell Angel now that she is "damaged goods." (Remember this is the Victorian period.)

This novel could have been subtitled "The Life and Loves of Tess D'Urberville." It did highlight the disparity between the sexual mores of males and females during this period. Some of the words I encountered while reading this classic were antiquated without no available definition; however, this did not interfere with me understanding the text. Although the plot proceeded at a glacial pace, I never tired of the story. Thomas Hardy went to great lengths establishing the characters and setting, which often seemed as it was another character. If you are a fan of novels setting in the Victorian period, you might enjoy this one written in the Victorian period.

[Booknblues]

Great review!

I enjoyed this when I read it several years ago but I have become much more hesitant to tackle these classics.

[Peacejanz]

Good review. Hardy always writes at a glacial pace but he gives us full descriptions of his characters. Thanks for the review. Makes me think about going back and rereading it again (after 50+years). peace, janz

[Book Concierge]

I've read this at least 3 times and really love Hardy's prose. Nice to see someone else enjoying it.