I read this book for the first time during my first break-up just over a decade ago. It was fairly drawn-out and I remember, at the time, feeling a lot of sympathy for Tess, but also getting a lot of strength from her. I’m happy to say that in retrospect, those feelings were definitely new adult melodrama, but even in my re-read, I found Tess a very inspirational character.

Published in 1891, I expected this book to be drawn out and dry, but it wasn’t. Even spanning years, it felt fast-paced and exciting. Tess Durbeyfield is the oldest daughter of a poor family in rural England. When her father learns that they are descended from a rich d’Urberville bloodline, he sends her to claim family with a d’Urberville family in the next valley over, not realizing that they claimed the name for the influence, without any family ties. While there, Tess is harassed by Alec d’Urberville and eventually assaulted. She leaves, but later finds out she is pregnant. 

Tess, throughout the book, does her best to act according to her morals. No longer a pure woman, she vows to never marry a man. She avoids lying and is good-natured. But over and over, she is put up against the wills of society, and men, causing trouble and heartache.

I found Tess inspirational because she stands up for others, her values, and herself. She speaks her mind plainly and communicates her feelings, even if it costs her socially or romantically. She is cast down repeatedly, but after every setback, she comes back to seek a new life for herself. 

I’m so happy I finally re-read this book. The story is better than I ever remembered, full of all the twists and turns of any modern romance novel, with gorgeous imagery, interesting characters, and twists that will leave you on the edge of your seat. And the ending… I had flashbacks to the first time I read it. 

August 2012 - A terribly depressing novel, but very lovely.