Charles Dickens
I have read a few of them, a long time ago now, and at the time enjoyed them - Oliver Twist, Hard Times, Martin Chuzzlewit, A Tale of Two Cities.....but when I became pregnant in 2000 I gave them all away because I became so very emotional and couldn't bear to have them in the house as they are quite bleak (I was working in Environmental Health at the time and that upset me too!). I think I could read them again now, so maybe not put off for life!
Hope you enjoy your reading!
Yes, I have read a number of them cover to cover. I was supposed to read Hard Times at university but didn't get too far; it has a reputation for being a difficult read.
Dickens' novels were originally written as serials within monthly(?) publications which is why you get so many dramatic moments, cliff hangers and new characters appearing.
I read Oliver Twist as an adult and it is quite different from the films as so much happens in the meandering novel. It is a good read.
There isn't time in the curriculum to read a whole Dickens text any more so, unless you're in a top set, you're likely to only read extracts.
Dickens spoke some hard truths for his time and 200 years later his observations can make us think again!
Talking about difficult reads, I knew a French graduate years ago, who had studied English at University. She recommended Silas Marner by George Eliot. I was reluctant at first, as I thought it would be hard going, but I reasoned that if a French person was able to read it, then an English person should not find it too difficult. I persevered and prevailed. It is a marvellous book, with a wonderful story.
George Eliot is fantastic... Arch enemy of Bronte! John you should try to read Middlemarch, long but so much fun if you can understand Eliot then you will enjoy middle march.
I would certainly rate Dickens's later work, starting with Dombey and Son of being a higher class than his earlier books which to me seem rather submerged in sentimentality.
I found many of the characters of his earlier work to be rather two-dimensional, more caricature than character. Personally I prefer the pessimism and tortured introspection of Thomas Hardy's creations.
I think Middlemarch is probably the greatest English novel of the nineteenth century.
Middlemarch extended the range of the novel and gave it a greater seriousness.
George Elliot was a formidable intellect and displayed a detailed comprehension of an enormous range of subjects from medicine to politics.
I can think of no higher praise for the bloke...
Garry, George Eliot is a nom de plume used by Mary Anne Evans. She used a pen name so her writing would be taken seriously.
Tess of the d'Urbevilles was one of the set books I read for A level English Literature. It was quite a read, but I haven't read any of Thomas Hardy's other novels. If I did, I would doubtless be able to better appreciate his writing.
Thomas Hardy's writings are quite anti-Christian. I really disliked reading Tess of the d'Urbevilles in particular.
Getting back to Dickens, I love reading his works because he is so descriptive and brings the characters and scenes quite distinctly alive in one's mind.
I love Dickens, read a few of his books - not all - and watched televised versions too.
Picked up my last book when we drove down to Canterbury - one of the bookshops not far from the cathedral.
My favourites are Great Expectations and Bleak House.
I also love Jane Auston have a couple of large multi-novel hardbacks - wouldn't part with them for anything, lol :-).
T
So it appears that George Eliot was in fact a woman.
Well I never.....
Another hero of mine turns out to be not as I was led to believe.
My only hope is that my last precious memory of childhood will stand firm against the face of all forms of scrutiny.The woman who stood for virtue and righteousness against all the odds and renewed my faith in human nature.
The superlative Mrs Doubtfire.
Garry that is funny. And Georgie is still phenomenal and considered as you say an amazing intellect.
Dickens is a brilliant writer and very funny (read The Pickwick Papers).
I am just rereading David Copperfield featuring the plain honest Peggoty and peaceful Agnes and the creepy, slimy Uriah Heep. I did Dombey and Son for A level and have returned to the Little Midshipman a couple of times since.
re Thomas Hardy I read Far from the Madding Crowd for O level and The Return of the Native for A level.
Silas Marner is on my must-read list.
Happy reading all!
I was recently challenged by some sales literature. Yes, we are all familiar with the stories. A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations....We like Mr. Micawber, at least I do...We've probably seen the films. My favourite is The Tale of Two Cities, (It was the best of times, it was the worst of tmes.) But have you read any of his novels, cover to cover? I had to admit that I hadn't, but have started to read Hard Times, (Now, what I want is, Facts.), and am actually enjoying the experience. Are there any avid readers of Dickens out there, or were you put off by school? I was but not, it seems, for life.