Tess of the d'Urbervilles

18 hrs. 1 min.

Classics

Language Russian

Author Thomas Hardy

Narrator Alexander Bordukov

Description

The famous novel by Thomas Hardy “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” was first published in 1891 and immediately sparked an ambiguous and contradictory reaction from the writer’s contemporaries. They were so shocked by its plot and content that for a long time the book failed to find understanding and recognition, both among critics and among readers. But today “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” is regarded as one of the best works of English literature; it has been adapted for film many times and staged on the world’s best theater stages. And in 2006, the novel received the honored 26th place in The Big Read list (BBC’s ranking of 200 best books).

The main heroine of the novel is Tess Durbeyfield, born into a poor peasant family. She unexpectedly learns that her family is descended from the ancient noble house of the d’Urbervilles. The decision to find her titled relatives—and thus change the lives of her loved ones for the better—becomes fatal for Tess.