Karen Prior has wonderful insight into one of Hardy's most famous novels. Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for granting me access to an e-arc.

To a degree, this book left me speechless. This is my first time reading Tess of the d’Urbervilles, so every part of it took me by surprise. It was well written and captivating, though I didn’t enjoy the ending. It had a distinctly male voice, though centered on a female protagonist (Tess).

I appreciate Dr. Prior’s commentary, footnotes, and questions because they have helped me process the book as I have been reading and now that I’ve finished. The last set of questions truly gave great food for thought. If you’ve read Dr. Prior’s On Reading Well, then you know her philosophy of pulling out theological concepts in reading literature. Her annotations here help put that philosophy into action. If you haven’t read any of her books, I would start with On Reading Well, then turn to the annotated classics (although they could be read on their own without needing ORW). I would recommend this edition of Tess of the d’Urbervilles to those who are interested in getting deeper into the text. It would also be perfect for a book club or if you’re teaching English literature.

I read this last in high school, I think, and I didn't really remember much about it. This book has huge ideas and it helped so much to read an edition that included a "guide". If you aren't familiar with the concept, the guide consisted of footnotes on difficult words and the sources of lines the characters quote, as well as a few other ideas. There were also "reflection" questions at the end of each section and more at the end of the book asking about the themes of the book as a whole. I found this all extrememly helpful yet absolutely unobtrusive.
As to the story itself - it's harsh. Classics are rarely light, easy reads because light, easy reads rarely speak to the hearts of generation after generation. Surprisingly, much of what this book has to say is incredibly relevant to our day. There are themes of gender and income inequality, as well as sexual assault and its aftermath. If you're in the mood for something serious, I'd highly recommend this.

This is a hard yet beautiful book that requires a good, concentrated reading. And is made even more helpful with the new reading guide. Tess is a tragic story but one that can still teach us today.

Thomas Hardy breaks my heart...like any Thomas Hardy book has me near tears at some point. *Tess* is no different. But Hardy's work is a classic, my opinion of it is rather unimportant. However, my notes on this new edition from B&H might be helpful. Swallow Prior's takes on a book are always helpful, and this volume is no exception. Furthermore, the print version is gorgeous.

ARC provided.