Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Tess of the d'Urbervilles is a novel by Thomas Hardy, first published in 1891. The story follows Tess Durbeyfield, a young woman of humble origins who discovers that her family is descended from an aristocratic lineage. Her struggles with societal expectations, her complex relationships, and the tragic circumstances of her life highlight themes of social injustice, fate, and the constraints imposed on women in Victorian England. Hardy's novel is renowned for its rich characterization, emotional depth, and critique of societal norms.