Well, this was my first experience with Thomas Hardy, and I'm still trying to decide how I feel about it. This novel was chock-full of ups and downs starting in the very first chapter.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (who primarily regarded himself as a poet though he authored nearly 20 novels and numerous short stories) was first published serially in a censored version in 1891 and then in a more complete book form in 1892. It was pretty controversial at the time it was published (in fact, it was initially refused publication, hence, the censored version when it was serially published) because it challenged the social and sexual mores of late Victorian England. It's now considered Hardy's fictional masterpiece. I hope I didn't peak too soon with Hardy--I have 3 more novels of his on my shelf and at least 1 more besides the 4 I own on my
Life List of Books to Read Before I Die.
The book is made up of 59 chapters divided into 7 phases, and my particular copy was 465 pages, all of which I eagerly marathon-ed, though I did slow down a bit between phases 5 and 6 just to ramp it back up at the end of phase 6 and sprint through the finish.
At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the impoverished but beautiful Tess Durbeyfield who is the oldest child of a whole posse of kids born to an alcoholic, good-for-nothing father and an irresponsible, devil-may-care mother. In chapter one, the Durbeyfields learn that they are descended from the wealthy, noble line of the d'Urbervilles which gives Pa Durbeyfield just one more excuse to laze around and not work--because he's too good for it. He and Ma send sweet Tess to a well-to-do family named d'Urberville a few towns over so she can claim kin and hopefully start milking the cash cow. But these d'Urbervilles are not actually related to them in any way, and the odious young Alec d'Urberville ends up raping Tess resulting in a scandalized Tess returning home to have Alec's baby and live in shame for the rest of her life.
Will Tess ever be able to get past this horrible crime committed against her and find love? Would it even be right for her to presume to marry after her sordid past? And does Alec d'Urberville ever get what's coming to him? You'll find out if you read the novel. (Or if you come ask me, because boy, will I talk your ear off about it as my husband will attest.)
Taking the whole novel into account, I'd use the words "tragic" and "depressing" to describe Tess of the D'Urbervilles. However, I have to admit, I'm eager to read more of Hardy's work. I was outraged at Alec's appalling behavior toward Tess; I agonized with Tess over difficult decisions she was faced with throughout the book; I was alternately giddy, indignant, delighted, and shocked. Any author who can so involve my emotions with their writing wins my respect and my recommendation. I would definitely say that Tess of the D'Urbervilles is worth your time though it's not exactly light reading and I wouldn't recommend it if you're in need of a pick-me-up kinda read. It
is perfect for October if you're wanting a more dark, gloomy read though so go grab a copy if you're looking for the perfect novel for
the month of pumpkins and witches.
Have you read Tess of the D'Urbervilles or anything else by Thomas Hardy? What do you think of his writing? The other 3 novels I have by Hardy are Far from the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native, and Jude the Obscure, and I'd like to add The Mayor of Casterbridge to my collection at some point. Which one should be on next year's book list?
