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Original poster

Right-I'm sick of Booker shortlist fiction-so help me, post your all time favourite work of classic fiction

238 replies

DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 13:36

Ann Enright finished me off finally with the dross that is called 'The Gathering'
So I decided to start reading some more classic works of fiction.
Am currently reading Nana by Zola, it's great [bit suprised]

At least these people seem to be able to write cracking tales (and not just emotional vomit)
I think I read most classic works of fiction when I was a teenager -ie Jane Austen, when I was too young to appreciate anything about life.

So post what should i read next, and what you loved about it.I think anything published in last 20 years should not be allowed but exceptions may be permitted.

OP posts:
MaryAnnSingleton · 09/01/2008 13:45

Persuasion or The Outsider by A;lbert Camus

dustystar · 09/01/2008 13:44

It is but i still liked the book

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 13:44

Again think i read Vanity Fair whilst teenager, but can't remember lots of it although I watched a recent film adaption and was at how they had twisted the ending into a happy one.
Surely the point of it was Becky Sharpe is a low conniving minx who got her just desserts!
That's on my list
I do enjoy Dickens , and is quite good ie one chapter a night(might be here till christmas though)
DustyS- what is Invisible man about? (aprt from obvious sounding title)

OP posts:
dustystar · 09/01/2008 13:43

I like Graham Greene as well - Brighton Rock is good

KrippledKerryMum · 09/01/2008 13:42

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LoveAndSqualor · 09/01/2008 13:42

what about modern classics? Have recently been splurging on C20 American lit. EL Doctorow and Updike are both wonderful. Read Updike's Rabbit series from start to finish and was just blown away - every other line a revelation.

dustystar · 09/01/2008 13:41

I also enjoyed the Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald and The Go Between by LP Hartley

wheelybug · 09/01/2008 13:41

All time favourite - 3 men in a boat, Jerome K Jermone

But also:

Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Gone with the Wind (not as romantic as the film !)
Anything by F Scott Fitzgerald
Room with a view

KrippledKerryMum · 09/01/2008 13:40

This reply has been deleted

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mumblechum · 09/01/2008 13:40

Oooh yes, Vanity Fair as well.

mumblechum · 09/01/2008 13:39

I know you've already read Jane Austen, but it might be worth revisiting Pride and Prejudice.

I'm a real Austen fan, have read all 6 books over and over. My dh recently bought me "mr Darcy's Diary", putting his point of view and I enjoyed that as well.

Don't like Dickens, has v. strange ideas about women.

Joseph Conrad's not bad.

You could try the Woman in White or the Moonstone, both by Wilkie Collins.

cyanarasamba · 09/01/2008 13:39

Vanity Fair - fabby fabby fab. All of Jane Austen too. In fact you can't go wrong with most of the classics - that's why they made it as classics. Dickens not to everyone's taste but I love it too.

dustystar · 09/01/2008 13:39

I really enjoyed Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

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