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Tess of the D'Urbervilles

By Thomas Hardy
Penguin Classics
Series: The Penguin English Library
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy is a poignant tale set in rural England, exploring the life of Tess Durbeyfield as she navigates love, fate, and societal expectations. Tess's journey is marked by hardship and resilience as she encounters challenges that test her spirit. Thomas Hardy intricately delves into themes of morality, destiny, and the impact of social norms on personal freedom.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy rich, dramatic narratives set in Victorian England. It delves into themes of social injustice, love, and personal struggle through the poignant journey of a young woman grappling with the hardships imposed by society. Hardy's evocative prose and deep exploration of morality and fate make for a compelling reading experience.

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When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her 'cousin' Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in hope of a peaceful future.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The new paperback series—Penguin English Library

"I would be content, ay, glad, to live with you as your servant, if I may not as your wife; so that I could only be near you, and get glimpses of you, and think of you as mine ... I long for only one thing in heaven or earth or under the earth, to meet you, my own dear! Come to me - come to me, and save me from what threatens me!"

When Tess Durbeyfield is driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D'Urbervilles and seek a portion of their family fortune, meeting her 'cousin' Alec proves to be her downfall. A very different man, Angel Clare, seems to offer her love and salvation, but Tess must choose whether to reveal her past or remain silent in the hope of a peaceful future.

With its sensitive depiction of the wronged Tess and powerful criticism of social convention, Tess of the D'Urbervilles is one of the most moving and poetic of Hardy's novels.

Series: The Penguin English Library

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tess of the D'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy is often hailed as a profound exploration of fate, injustice, and societal norms. Critics frequently praise Hardy's beautiful prose and the novel's emotional depth, although some find its depiction of tragedy somewhat relentless. Tess's character often evokes sympathy and admiration for her strength in adversity, while the book's critique of Victorian morality resonates with contemporary readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141199948

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 October 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 345g

Pages: 496

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About the Author

Formerly a prize-winning architectural student, Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) went on to become a prolific novelist and poet. Tess of the D'Urbervilles, set in the 'partly real, partly dream-country' of Wessex, was at first refused publication and then published in censored form, shocking readers in the challenge it posed to social and sexual mores. Hardy's novels Under the Greenwood Tree, Far From the Madding Crowd, The Return of the Native, Two on a Tower, The Mayor of Casterbridge and Jude the Obscure are also published in the Penguin English Library.

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