Anyway Tess of the D'Urbervilles seemed to go down quite well. It's a classic so I enjoyed reading it, its not really like anything I've read before, although it is very depressing. Let's just say there never appears to be a silver lining for Tess! Although its not that big of a book I did only just manage to get through it in the 6 weeks and I think most people were the same. At first I decided I was going to look up the meaning of any words which I didn't understand as I went through the story however there were so many words I had never heard of that it would have taken me months to read it so I changed my mind!! But it didn't hinder from following the story it just made me think this Thomas Hardy bloke knows alot of long words and wants me to know it.
We had a discussion about who we felt loved Tess the most out of the characters and who really betrayed her the most. To be honest it was difficult to judge this one for me as they all seemed to love her in some form, but really she was wronged by all of them, her mother, her husband and Alec D'Urberville. I kept thinking that something was about to go right for Tess and then a turn of the page and I realised that there wasn't going to be a happy ending. I was very surprised by the twist of events at the end which I won't share for those who didn't get there... (you know who you are). Being set in the late 1890's we talked about how men and women spoke and behaved towards each other and the meanings of being a lover in contrast to today. There was some confusion as to whether Tess had her baby after being raped by Alec because that chapter ended so abruptly, however Bill reckons there was another chapter that was cut out about Alec engaging Tess in a 'fake' marriage to lure her into his bed. I'm not sure on this one but if that is true then it does make quite a big difference to the story!
Overall I think score wise most people gave it a 7 out of 10 (I may be making this up as it was last week and I can't remember to be honest) but I don't think there were any hideous marks, we didn't let Rachael rate her 8% as her favourite character had been the horse (pretty much the only one in it so far ;).
The next book *Drumroll*
'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes
Right I've got to say here that I am really pleased this has come up because I got it for my birthday last year and have been waiting to read it, but also because its modern and sometimes after a book like Tess its quite a relief not to have to concentrate too hard. Unfortunately for some (mainly Bill and Kevin) there were gasps of horror at the words 'gorgeously romantic' on the front cover. Sorry guys but we're covering all the genres here! To be honest I've just started it and I don't think its a typical trashy girly book you may be surprised so I hope you give it a go!
Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now, and he knows exactly how he is going to put a stop to that. What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour.'
Next Book Club Meet:
Date: Wednesday 31st July
Location: TBC (Possibly my garden if not Green Dragon)
Time: 7.30pm
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