Tess duberville

Tess Durbeyfield leaves her poor family after a string of setbacks. She seeks work with rich relatives, where Alec d’Urberville becomes her employer. He seems kind, but Tess faces life among strangers alone. Her need for work leaves her open to harm. A year later, she and Angel Clare fall in love. Their future rests on how he will face her past.

This story of love, courage and betrayal is for readers aged 8–14. Thomas Hardy explores what men and women expect from each other. He also asks how past acts shape lives and how much pain people can bear.

Maxine Linnell retells Hardy’s story in this shortened Real Reads edition. Ana Maria Datcu provides the translation. The series presents major works in shorter forms for young readers.