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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:
Cappuccino · 09/01/2008 14:46

I got annoyed at Owen Meany

it started off as one thing and became another

also some of the comedy scenes were a bit self-indulgent

I liked it to start with but then it really really annoyed me

ahundredtimes · 09/01/2008 14:45

[fingers in ears]

Middlemarch,middlemarch,middlemarch.middlemarch

Tamum · 09/01/2008 14:44

Why thank you 100

I loved Daniel Deronda too, you might be right, Capp...

ZippiBabesBeenAnAwfulBadGirl · 09/01/2008 14:44

Frankenstein Mary shelley

ahundredtimes · 09/01/2008 14:44

She reads the Radio Times every week DR, don't listen to her.

amazonianwoman · 09/01/2008 14:44

Phew, glad there are some other fans of Owen Meany out there, it's not a Classic, but I love it!

Definitely Germinal by Emile Zola

Cappuccino · 09/01/2008 14:42

Daniel Deronda better than Middlemarch imo

ahundredtimes · 09/01/2008 14:42

Hurrah for Tamum and her impeccable taste.

Have you read Jane Eyre DR? It's most erotic you know.

MaryAnnSingleton · 09/01/2008 14:41

I know, Iknow ...I'm trying...

Tamum · 09/01/2008 14:41

Ah, I was just about to post about the Brontes but I see they haven't met universal favour I loved The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Vilette. Also recommend Middlemarch, and nice to see Elizabeth Taylor getting a mention.

ZippiBabesBeenAnAwfulBadGirl · 09/01/2008 14:41

The Sound and The Fury William Faulkner tho I haven't read it since i was at uni but it always sticks in my head

New Grub Street George Gissing

ahundredtimes · 09/01/2008 14:41

(MAS! I've told you what to do fgs. Candles, draught, read out loud. [sighs])

dustystar · 09/01/2008 14:39

I really enjoyed Wuthering Heights as well

MaryAnnSingleton · 09/01/2008 14:39

hope no one says Wuthering Height - am wading thtough it for book group

hattyyellow · 09/01/2008 14:38

Agree that a lot of Waugh comes across as more lightweight comedy (although I'd rank his comedy above Wodehouse who seems to just take a theme and repeat ad nauseam)...

But would put Handful of Dust and Brideshead Revisited up there with the classics..who else does guilt with such gusto (except Greene)...

I think they have almost been cheapened though by having TV/film adaptations made of them...takes away from the original book..

Would have to put the Bronte sisters up there with the classic writers too...Jane Eyre? Deep work of art or ultimately a sentimental love story?

fishie · 09/01/2008 14:37

if you are going to carry on with zola you must read germinal. any daphne du maurier is good. doris lessing?
ooh how about some gogol, bit oddball but i really loved it.

SpaceHopperHayls · 09/01/2008 14:37

So, so glad to see Middlemarch (Dorothea is actually on our names longlist, but I think Bloke is likely to veto), To Kill a Mockingbird, and A Prayer for Owen Meany on this list, but am surprised that no one has mentioned my personal favourite, Wuthering Heights.

If I could only read one book ever again (and believe me, I go cold at the prospect) it would be Bronte's masterpiece. Heathcliffe was the first literary character I fell in love with. You can keep your Darcys (well, maybe I could borrow him now and again..., give me a man with a bit of passion anyday!

psychomum5 · 09/01/2008 14:35

well, I got the christian propaganda, but not the anti-women, seeing as Lucy and Susan feature highly, as do other girls in it.

maybe I am missing something, or seriously naive 9which is a distinct posibility).

anyhooo......gotta run for school.....see ya later ladies, and can I book my detention later please

Slouchy · 09/01/2008 14:34

Ah, cross posts, seeker. Tis God you are on about.

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 14:33

Richard and Judy now has reverse effect on me.
I don't buy it if it part of their book club

OP posts:
Slouchy · 09/01/2008 14:33

Q - what is Narnia propagandising? Christianity? or something more sinister?

Hated Middlemarch mtself but love Mill on The Floss, also Eliot. Adam bede also supposed to be good.
Can I just put it a good word for a modern book - The Book Thief. Am reading at the mo. It is simply, yet poetically written; totally gripping and devestating. I think this could become a classic (just as long as Richard and J keep their paws off it)

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 14:32

Well thanks then Seeker [graciouslyacceptingemotion]

OP posts:
francagoestohollywood · 09/01/2008 14:32

yes, I agree ahundred, and for witticism (does this word exist?) I actually favour wodehouse, who is on my personal list of all time classic.
justgirlfromedgware, I love both Bassani and Yehoshua

Original poster
DarrellRivers · 09/01/2008 14:32

Tom Wolfe, did he write Bonfire of the Vanities?
Another big favourite

OP posts:
seeker · 09/01/2008 14:32

But I only put Malory Towers on the list for you Darrell!

Which surprise you, psychomum - the anti woman or the Christian propaganda?

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