101 Books to Read Before You Die discussion
This topic is about
The Monk
Completed Reads
>
November's read - The Monk
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Mike
(new)
-
rated it 3 stars
Nov 01, 2018 05:44PM
An unusual novel with mature themes. Originally published late in the 18th century, its scandalous plot caused quite a stir. Truly one of the great original gothic novels, The Monk stands the test of time.
reply
|
flag
I am not sure what in this novel stands the test of time. The portrayal of religious life, the handling of religious themes is slanderous. It is populated by caricatures of various moral attitudes. The numerous lengthy poems gave volume but nothing else. Here is my review.The Monk by Matthew Lewis
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Am I the only person who is perplexed by the rationale behind the books on “must read” lists? I read this gothic novel because it was recommended by such a list. My only guess for its strong recommendation is that it is a quintessential example of the form. With its ghosts and demons, its pregnant nuns and raping and murdering abbots, its excessively naive maidens and vain and superstitious older women, it has all the elements of the gothic tale in spades. But this was so melodramatic, so ludicrous in its plot line, so ridiculous in the characters presented, that I thought I was reading a spoof of the genre. I spent most of the book wanting to laugh. The inclusion of numerous lengthy poems did nothing except add volume to a book I was not enjoying.
I'm finally nearly finished! I like the Gothic atmosphere, but I find that I need to often set the book aside and read something else as a "palate cleanser". It's been slow going, but I'm glad I'm finally getting it off my TBR-- I've seen it mentioned often in articles about early Gothic literature, and was curious. I definitely prefer Ann Radcliffe.Irene, I agree with you completely about "must read" lists. I don't think I've ever seen a single list that didn't have at least one book that didn't seem wildly out of place.
Thanks for your post. I was feeling lonely in this thread. LOL.
Irene wrote: "Thanks for your post. I was feeling lonely in this thread. LOL."I felt bad for not commenting sooner (especially since I nominated the book-- I'd seen it referenced time and again and was very curious). I usually don't like to comment on a book until I'm done, but this is turning into a very looooooong read. I find if I read too long, it starts turning into a Monty Python show, which is a lot of fun, but I'm trying to seriously respect and understand what Lewis was trying to accomplish with it. I'm starting to wonder if this is the 1796 equivalent to a trashy beach read.
Monty Python is a good image. Only, I did not find it as clever as MP. I know that many novels in this genre at that time were considered pretty trashy. I know that this one gets literary attention, but I did not find it all that well written. I give you credit for being willing to read it slowly. Half way into it and I just wanted it done. I could not give it serious consideration.
BTW, did we ever talk about a December book? I have no memory of doing so.
Irene wrote: "BTW, did we ever talk about a December book? I have no memory of doing so."There are a couple of books listed under the December Nominations topic.
