Crumbling Pavlova

Not quite sure why I started thinking of the tragic tale of Tess of the D’Urbervilles this morning.  Perhaps it was the sound of nature waking up, as I walked under a leaden sky, that led me to remember the sorrowful story.

I started thinking about all the losses that Tess endured and the numerous times that she was failed by those closest to her.  Having studied the book at school it took several readings for me to appreciate how Hardy’s detailed description of nature drove the plot along and became a central character in its own right.

The world has changed significantly since the novel was first published but we seem to have learned little about protecting the innocent and vulnerable, both in human society and the natural world 💚

The best books are perhaps those that allow us to reflect and remind us of the inpermanency of beauty… to quote Robert Frost Nothing gold can stay 💛

#nature #thomashardy #sorrow #tessofthedurbervilles #books #treasure #care #beauty #temporary