Tess of the d'Urbervilles

Set in impoverished rural England, the novel explores the life of Tess, a young woman grappling with societal norms and personal struggles. Challenging the sexual morals of late Victorian society, Tess emerges as a resilient character who fights for her own rights and those of others. Initially published in a censored format, the story faced mixed reviews but has since become a powerful commentary on gender and class issues, highlighting the harsh realities faced by women in that era.