This is the first book in a while in my classics-reading "quest" that I have been this engaged in. I almost (but not quite) reached the point of not wanting to put the book down. The general outcome of the book is fairly predictable but the journey was fascinating-depressing-and compelling. Hardy somehow managed to make us care about Tess, a remarkably pathetic character, more than as an object of pity. Even though this book was pretty depressing I still enjoyed, rather appreciated, this book. I definitely recommend it.