Tess of the d'Urbervilles (Blackstone)

By: Thomas Hardy

Narrated by: Ralph Cosham

Length: 14 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

Hardy's harrowing novel of seduction and abandonment introduced his most memorable tragic heroine, the unworldly maiden Tess.

On her morning journey to earn money for her impoverished family, Tess' horse has an accident, forcing her to seek assistance from some newly rich relatives. There, she is vigorously pursued by Alec, who corners her in a field one night and takes advantage of her. After bearing a child who quickly dies, Tess meets and falls in love with Angel, a minister's son who is infatuated with the image of Tess as the pure country maid. But when he learns the truth of her past, he shuns his new bride and leaves Tess once again to fend for herself in a world where she is only valued for her uses to others.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Like the greatest characters in literature, Tess lives beyond the final pages of the book as a permanent citizen of the imagination....Tess is that rare creature in literature: goodness made interesting." (Irving Howe)

The true feminist

This is by far the best and most feminist book ever written. TH has not only understood and loved his heroine, but he sees her fight and her despair, her loneliness and vindication as the most natural consequence in what society had established for women and their lives.

Fantastic , Amazing, a beautiful love story.

loved it. the story was perfect and the narrator excellent. I highly recommend that you listen.

Thomas Hardy is a classic

This was a very good reading of the favorite classic. The Olde English may be difficult for some but it is a story that tells of the difference in morality and the plight of women in the 1800's. Any history buff will enjoy the story as it brings you back to those times.

Tess

When I first stared reading this book, I wasn't sure whether or not I liked or even understand what the story was about, but perhaps I was just expecting something else. Tess comes from a poor family, where she had to fend for her mother, father and siblings. In a dance one day she first saw Angel, a man that she was immediately taken to. She was forced to go out to the world to find a job when she killed her father's horse by accident. Tis little incident, dragged a spate of troubles with no way for her to escape them.

It's a good book that shows a realistic view of a woman who lived a hard life during I guess the middle ages. The book has a very unexpected ending and I loved it. I think you have to understand the loves of the peasants of the middle ages to really enjoy the story to it's best.

Not What I Expected

I have come to really enjoy Hardy's writing. Unlike many of the authors of that era, he is comfortable writing about the servant class. They play a predominant role in this book and I feel it gives the story a more grounded feel than if it treated the servants as shadows as do many authors. Hardy also does an amazing job of portraying women. They are not all simpering idiots or haughty snobs! He conveys emotion very well.
The ending was a complete surprise to me and at first I was disappointed but as I settled with it, I realized it was the only way for it to end. I'd give it 5 stars except it took a while to get going. Once it hit it's stride though....... it was great.