I am quite conflicted by this read.On the one hand, Hardy’s style is flawless, beautiful as he describes the country side, the dairy, drawing out the vivid landscapes of this story. His delicious bits delight the senses with heart stopping sensitivity. And then there is his Tess our protagonist….poor Tess
is so downtrodden, her journey so bleak, hello Holden Caulfield this is PUT UPON. Still Tess is strong and holds close, her own little sparks, nuggets of hope, she tucks them way back, protectively from the constant despair gnaw, gnaw, gnawing on those small blossoms of hope, feeding on all those delicious bits, always hungry, always there.
Sigh……this story sits on my soul.