challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
challenging emotional reflective sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I see the importance of the themes, as well as the scandal this explicit mention must have caused in the 19th century. I also cannot help but once again be in great awe of Hardy's masterful lyricism of the prose. However, Tess turned out to be one of my least-like protagonists; she lacked agency in her own story so much, it made me frustrated. The passivity is slightly understandable given the storytelling, but the sheer naiveté and blind adoration of Angel was difficult for me to sympathise with. Sorry not sorry.
challenging dark tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Trigger warning - rape, spousal abuse

Oh my goodness. This book was absolutely phenomenal. It was sophisticated and heartbreaking and I loved every page of it. I loved Tess so much and though I was often annoyed with him I loved Angel too. Alec was wrong but I understood him. The beauty and absolute despair of this book was beautifully realized and utterly captivating. I look forward to reading many Thomas Hardy books in the extremely near future. This book was amazing.
challenging emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

I really looked forward to reading this book for a while and I guess I set myself up for disappointment, don't get me wrong I still liked it. I think it's very good and very important and I want more people to read it, but it just wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. I mean its a depressing book, but still.
challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is some of the most utterly beautiful writing I've ever read and I am also emotionally devastated. This is one that's going to stick with me in the long term. However, f*ck Alec D'urberville and f*ck Angel Clare, Tess deserved better than both of you men in her life. Tess deserved better than any of the hell she went through at the hands of these two wastes of space.

I understand the values of this novel within its context. However, I found the book a little slow. Tess is an excellent reflection on shifting Victorian values.

Not a feel good book, but beautifully written and gives you a lot of food for thought.