Tess of the d'Urbervilles: A Pure Woman by Thomas HardyMy review
rating: 4 of 5 stars
I quite enjoyed this book, especially when I thought of Jude the Obscure as I read. The story, as per Hardy's style, is tragically beautiful. I don't know if I like it more than Jude, but it made me think. I didn't know who to blame--Alec, Angel, Joan, John, Tess herself, society--and just like in Jude the Obscure, the main character is so tragically complex and ill-fated. This is definitely a book that I will think about long after I finish it. Just as in Jude, Hardy seems to criticize society the most, but the individual characters are so beautifully developed and multi-dimensional that you can't help but wonder how much agency the characters are supposed to have. Are they left to the winds of fate or do they lack the simple ability to rise above society? What are the forces at work here?
Regardless of these uncertainties surrounding the book, Hardy doesn't disappoint. I think I need a happier book on my next-to-read list, though :)
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PS--This is my 300th post!!!
5 comments:
Hooray for the 300 mark!
This book sounds way too intense for my time for reading at present!
Carry on!
Wow, congratulations on your 300th post!
I read this book while at BYU, but haven't retained very much of it.
Woohoo, 300 posts!
I loved Tess, but it's been a very long time since I read it. For a happier, lighter book, might I suggest The Know-It-All?
wow look at you professional blogger 300 posts!
I have Tess sitting on my shelf I have no idea why I haven't read it yet. its been sitting there for years!
300? Look at you!
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