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Original poster

I need to decide what to read next: The Phantom of the Opera or Jude the Obscure

58 replies

StColumbofNavron · 28/08/2023 18:05

Relevant information

  • I do like a bleak tale
  • I have loved (as much as one can) Tess and Return of the Native
  • I like Gothic
  • I want something all encompassing (I've been reading a lot of light, breezy fiction lately that was fine but didn't sweep me up)
  • a GoodReads review compared the Phantom to Heathcliff which almost swung it for me as I adore Wuthering Heights

So which shall I opt for?

OP posts:
EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 28/08/2023 19:16

Jude The Obscure is A LOT, I have Phantom on TBR

MarciaSaysANumber · 28/08/2023 19:14

Oh dear … You probably need to get off MN and start Jude now.

Before someone spoilers it for you!

But yes, it is the very peak of a particular type of achievement. Be warned …

EmmaStone · 28/08/2023 19:12

Jude, Jude, Jude. What a book.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 28/08/2023 19:10

Read Jude if:
you are 17
you are a goth
you like writing dark poetry
you want to cry
you're patient enough to not spend all of the novel wanting to slap bloody Sue

I haven't read Phantom. I nearly bought it a couple of weeks ago and changed my mind. Maybe you will be able to tell me later if I want to read it.

CurlewKate · 28/08/2023 19:01

Jude. Get it over with so you can recover before you're on your deathbed.

If you like gothic, have you read Northanger Abbey? So funny.

jotunn · 28/08/2023 18:58

Read Phantom. It is nicely gothic instead of depressing with an absolutely terrible haunting twist.

Original poster
StColumbofNavron · 28/08/2023 18:33

It took me 7 years to get over Tess and read The Return of the Native - both of which I adored.

OP posts:
EmmaGrundyForPM · 28/08/2023 18:18

Jude the Obscure is deeply, deeply depressing. But I loved it.