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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:
Notyummy · 09/01/2008 15:33

I have no idea how that happened...but just take it as two

Califrau · 09/01/2008 15:33

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Notyummy · 09/01/2008 15:26

Another vote for F Scott Fitzgerald. Also 'Lolita': Nabokov.
Also second the Wilkie Collins suggestion. 'The Woman in White' is fab and very atmospheric.

Notyummy · 09/01/2008 15:26

Another vote for F Scott Fitzgerald. Also 'Lolita': Nabokov.
Also second the Wilkie Collins suggestion. 'The Woman in White' is fab and very atmospheric.

ZippiBabes · 09/01/2008 15:10

Julio Cortazar wrote Hospcotch

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 15:09

Don't cull too hard

I can only get rid of thrillers or crap holiday fiction from my books
DH just shakes head

OP posts:
ZippiBabes · 09/01/2008 15:08

more modernly there is a book called Hopscotch by someone

Cappuccino · 09/01/2008 15:08

Clarissa

that'll keep you busy

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 15:07

Am definitely lacking in Italian fiction [shame]
The closest I have is Michael Dibdena dn his Italian detective and Italo Calvino's very confusing swirling books

OP posts:
ZippiBabes · 09/01/2008 15:07

i was only kidding my sweets

i am just list making

and in the process unconvincing myself re my book cull i started

Member of the Wedding Carson mccullers

The Betrothed is an italian novel, historical novel when it was written a big panoramic dramatic novel..may be a bit of a long time earlier pre cursor to magical realism (you can say nay to that if you wish may have to re read and see if that idea holds up)

bundle · 09/01/2008 15:05

I know it's not a classic, but it's really well written for such a young writer and incredibly informative about a period of recent history I knew nothing about.

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 15:04

Someone suggested that to me over Christmas bundle

OP posts:
Califrau · 09/01/2008 15:04

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bundle · 09/01/2008 15:03

have you read Half a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Aidiche? (sp) it's terrific

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 15:02

Tamum, am interested in medicine so will look up Gawande suggestion

OP posts:
Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 15:01

Am back from folding clothes
Enjoyed the Pepys book, yes so the Orlando Figes, russian cultural history thing sounds good (studied Russia History GSCE Tsars to communists)
Zippi, wasn't ignoring, what is The Betrothed like? I have never heard of Alessandro Manzoni
And i think i should read Jane Eyre again

OP posts:
ZippiBabes · 09/01/2008 15:00

The Faber Book of Utopias...could be one to stick in the loo maybe

Tamum · 09/01/2008 14:57

Actually, completely and utterly OT, I would recommend Atul Gawande's books of essays really highly to anyone interested in medicine. He's a marvellous writer. Just thought DR might like to know

ahundredtimes · 09/01/2008 14:53

I'm not ignoring anyone. I am trying to tidy my study though.

Zip's recommendations are fab I think. Capp's are well-meant but WRONG.

Oooh I tell you what how about some good non-fiction? Not classic necessarily but absorbing DR?

That Claire Tomlin book on Pepys was bloody good, also I loved that Orlando Figes book on Russia's cultural history. They might be the perfect antidote you're looking for.

SpaceHopperHayls · 09/01/2008 14:52

MAS - I always find that WH is best read (or rerererererererereread, if you are me) in a darkened room, with the wind howling outside, and a large glass of red (or milk, if you are me at the moment, fighting off the ever present acid indigestion).
It's one of those annoying books that has been adapted many times, but that no tv programme or film has ever done justice too, so you can't even cheat!

Amazonian - I LOVE Owen Meany. When I finished it last year I was so disappointed to not have it to read anymore. I think the language is beautiful, and the construction and ending was spectacular. I actually said, 'Ahhh, so that's why...' outloud!

ZippiBabes · 09/01/2008 14:51

lol I am supposed to be culling my books not thinking I might read them again after 30 years

Cappuccino · 09/01/2008 14:50

they ignored me earlier zippi

they are too busy blowing dust off books

ZippiBabesBeenAnAwfulBadGirl · 09/01/2008 14:48

don't mind being ignored by u literattis

Cappuccino · 09/01/2008 14:47

yes 100x it is a very good book

but not as good as Daniel Deronda

ZippiBabesBeenAnAwfulBadGirl · 09/01/2008 14:47

A Rebours

Against nature in english Huysmans

fascinating stuff

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