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Original poster

I did it, I read Jude The Obscure and now I have sunk into a deep existential sadness

65 replies

rubberglove · 16/07/2012 18:09

A great book, but not exactly full of the joys of life is it?

OP posts:
UptoapointLordCopper · 17/07/2012 20:44

It is a great book but I will never read it again. One of the most shocking books I've read. The Secret Agent was pretty shocking as well. And Kafka's the trial (inspired to read this after an interminable meeting at work).

Those are the most learned books I've read. Grin I'm now on a spate of Diana Wynne Jones books. They are the antidote to everything. She was a genius, and I've only just discovered her.

Original poster
rubberglove · 17/07/2012 17:35

Social mobility is the carrot. Capitalism needs the stick and the carrot.

OP posts:
noddyholder · 17/07/2012 14:57

Agree rubberglove that is a huge misconception that blights this country Sometimes hard work just doesn't work

yellowraincoat · 17/07/2012 14:04

Totally agree, rubberglove . That's what I love about it.

Original poster
rubberglove · 17/07/2012 13:58

I like that it challenges the notion that anyone can better their circumstances with a bit of hard work. It isn't that simple is it?

OP posts:
noddyholder · 17/07/2012 13:45

My all time favourite book

drjohnsonscat · 17/07/2012 13:43

God. When I got to "that page" I honestly thought I had misunderstood and had to go back and reread it. I mean nobody could actually write that, could they? Make that happen from their own imagination, could they?

I didn't think that was part of the deal - I was expecting at least a smidgen of redemption.

yellowraincoat · 17/07/2012 13:40

Love Jude The Obscure.

It's not even the "too menny" bit that does me, it's just the unrelenting shit that is Jude's life and the fact that life is still like that in so many ways. He never gets anywhere despite his hard work and intelligence and general loveliness.

He is just shat on from a great height by everyone.

When Sue says "promise me you'll never stop trying" I just want to shake her.

Original poster
rubberglove · 17/07/2012 13:37

Yes I was on the Tess thread and I was warned!

What next? 50 shades? Grin

OP posts:
ComeIntoTheGardenMaud · 17/07/2012 08:44

DH felt that Cordelia's fate was just too tragic. And then I thought of poor, thwarted Cordelia in Brideshead Revisited, but I still like it very much as a name.

shinecrazydiamond · 17/07/2012 00:20

Hmmm..

OK

Well, there are several claims to fame re this book but I will divulge just one.

From my bathroom window I can see Thomas Hardy's grandmother's gravestone. Always quite inspiring when I am taking a shower.

He was very close to his Grandmother.

Devora · 17/07/2012 00:18

How can you say that, shinecrazydiamond? I won't sleep all night now...

Gwan, are you Mr Hardy's great-great-granddaughter?

Did you once shag Michael Winterbottom?

Is Kate Winslet your son's daughter's best friend?

shinecrazydiamond · 17/07/2012 00:11

I have a great claim to fame re Jude the Obscure!

Sadly it will completely out me.

As you were.

dontcallmehon · 17/07/2012 00:07

I think Hardy warned us enough times, didn't he? You can't stop the relentless wheel of fate...

dontcallmehon · 17/07/2012 00:06

Yes she was NorthernLurker :(

Devora · 17/07/2012 00:00

Just reading this thread has pulled me into a pit of despair.

First time I read Jude I almost went into shock when I read THAT bit.

Northernlurker · 16/07/2012 23:43

I thought she was murdered in prison? Hung yes but not by her own hand.

(Cheerful conversation this!)

ExitPursuedByABear · 16/07/2012 23:35

Why not Come ? She loved her Daddy. (I know she killed herself but well.....)

Oh er Northern Wink

dontcallmehon · 16/07/2012 23:35

Northernlurker, I adore those names.

Northernlurker · 16/07/2012 23:32

It is a beautiful name but looking for first names I went the happy(ish) route with Miranda, Rosalind and Beatrice.

beeroclock · 16/07/2012 23:31

God i love those books. DS is sort of named after a Hardy character and 'Bathsheba' was vetoed by DH early on as a poss girl's name!

ComeIntoTheGardenMaud · 16/07/2012 23:30

Cordelia is such a beautiful name but DH [Shakespeare scholar] wouldn't agree to it.

ExitPursuedByABear · 16/07/2012 23:23

My DDs middle name is Cordelia

ExitPursuedByABear · 16/07/2012 23:22

The clue was in the title, no?

God I love Thomas Hardy. Tess is my favourite novel of all time.

disclaimer - I am a miserable bitch Wink

dontcallmehon · 16/07/2012 23:20

Not as bad as Tess of the D'Urbervilles and her doomed baby, 'Sorrow.' LOVE Thomas Hardy, but he ain't the most cheerful of souls.