All About Books discussion

This chat is for anyone who wants to talk of the classics from the 1700s and on :).

Why so restricted? What about classics such as Gulliver's Travels or Shakespeare or Don Quixote, not to mention the ancient Greek and Roman works...

Perhaps we could have two threads, one pre- and one post-1700. I'd certainly be interested in the pre- one, but not very knowledgeable! In fact I'll set one up.

I've set up the other one. Kara, how about changing the name of this thread to include '1700 onwards'?

Gill wrote: "I've set up the other one. Kara, how about changing the name of this thread to include '1700 onwards'?"

Good idea - I took care of it :)

Really good idea!!!

Oh sorry guys it's just I've been more involved with that type of literature like for example Jane Eyre.

Kara wrote: "Oh sorry guys it's just I've been more involved with that type of literature like for example Jane Eyre."

Gosh, Kara, there's nothing to say sorry about. It's a really good idea.

What classics do enjoy reading, as well as Jane Eyre?

The Count of Monte Cristo, Anna Karenina, The Picture of Dorian Gray, just to name a few.

Kara wrote: "The Count of Monte Cristo, Anna Karenina, The Picture of Dorian Gray, just to name a few."

Great choices! I am a big fan of Dumas & Wilde, and beginning to develop a taste for Tolstoy. ☺

I have yet to read Anna Karenina yet because I am busy with the development of my own novel but I will definitely find time for it

I have just started reading Persuasion. I was sure that I had read all the 'big six' novels by Jane Austen, but somehow this one escaped.

Jane Austen is one huge educational gap in my reading. I've read nothing by her so far. Yet I always feel like I have, because the stories seem so familiar due to the numerous film-adaptations.
What is a good one to start with?

Jenny wrote: "Jane Austen is one huge educational gap in my reading. I've read nothing by her so far. Yet I always feel like I have, because the stories seem so familiar due to the numerous film-adaptations.
Wh..."

Same here Jenny!

I would recommend The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins. It was called a Victorian "sensation novel" and is considered one of the first detective stories as we know them today. I thought it was excellent, and have gone on to read more 19th century novels.

Terri I read this last year and thought it was really good. I've since been meaning to try another one by Wilkie Collins. Maybe next year.

Gill wrote: "I have just started reading Persuasion. I was sure that I had read all the 'big six' novels by Jane Austen, but somehow this one escaped."

Ooh! I really liked Persuasion!!

Jenny wrote: "Terri I read this last year and thought it was really good. I've since been meaning to try another one by Wilkie Collins. Maybe next year."

Jenny, have you read The Moonstone? That is probably Collins' next most famous novel...

I also agree that The Moonstone is really good.

No I haven't. Will make that my Wilkie for 2014 then. Thanks!

Jenny and Pink - I think you were asking about Jane Austen weren't you?

Well the first two of the 6 I read were the shortest ones, "Northanger Abbey" (a great tongue-in-cheek gothic novel) and "Persuasion", which is her last novel, beautiful and for her, very gentle.

My personal favourite is "Sense and Sensibility", with "Pride and Prejudice" a close second. In many ways they are similar.

Many people rate "Emma" very highly, and if you like strong-minded flawed female characters you may enjoy this. I tend to find the heroine a bit irritating though! "Mansfield Park" is not so popular as some of the others, but has all the Austen hallmarks.

I haven't read the three lesser works. Hope this helps. I think it was a good idea for me personally to start with a short one, but quite honestly they are all so witty and biting that you could start with any really!

Thanks Jean that's really helpful, I think I might start with Northanger Abbey as it's shorter, but sometimes wonder if it's a good place to start. I've watched tv and film adaptions of some of the others, so know what happens, but I'd still like to get around to them. I have no Austen in my bookshelves, but I have put them on my Christmas list so I'll wait and see if Santa brings me any!

Jean, I've just discovered that have 'Mansfield Park' and 'Northanger Abbey'on my KOBO. Reading your description I think I might start with latter sometime next year.. (*wink at Pink*)

Pink - hope Santa is listening!! I shall look out for something happening with you both next year... it's ages since I've read some Austen and she's such a treat :)

Jean wrote: "Jenny and Pink - I think you were asking about Jane Austen weren't you?

Well the first two of the 6 I read were the shortest ones, "Northanger Abbey" (a great tongue-in-cheek gothic novel) and "Pe...My personal favourite is "Sense and Sensibility", with "Pride and Prejudice" a close second. In many ways they are similar.

Many people rate "Emma" very highly, and if you like strong-minded flawed female characters you may enjoy this. I tend to find the heroine a bit irritating though! "Mansfield Park" is not so popular as some of the others, but has all the Austen hallmarks."

Mine as well Jean. And I can't really stabd Emma!!!!

Hahaha Laura - I was trying not to put anyone off...but I do want to slap her face...

whisteling a little funeral march for the 'not to put anyone off part'...

I found Northanger Abbey very amusing, it is so tongue in cheek. So far Persuasion is great.

Persuasion is my second best by her - after P&P of course.
As a teen ager I copied (view spoiler)[the letter captain Wentworth wrote Anne in the end of the book (hide spoiler)] and brought it around in my wallet!!!!

Jenny wrote: "Jean, I've just discovered that have 'Mansfield Park' and 'Northanger Abbey'on my KOBO. Reading your description I think I might start with latter sometime next year.. (*wink at Pink*)"

Ok I'm pencilling in Northanger Abbey for sometime in 2014!

LauraT wrote: "Persuasion is my second best by her - after P&P of course.
As a teen ager I copied [spoilers removed] and brought it around in my wallet!!!!"

I've just finished Persuasion. I loved it. And I love your spoiler, Laura.

Gill wrote: "LauraT wrote: "Persuasion is my second best by her - after P&P of course.
As a teen ager I copied [spoilers removed] and brought it around in my wallet!!!!"

I've just finished Persuasion. I loved ..."

:) Such a good romance!

Gill wrote: "LauraT wrote: "Persuasion is my second best by her - after P&P of course.
As a teen ager I copied [spoilers removed] and brought it around in my wallet!!!!"

I've just finished Persuasion. I loved ..."

I was a very romantic teen ager!!!! ;)