Tom Jones by Henry Fielding

[babyblackbird]

Anyone read it, bought it a year ago ( not sure why) , felt obliged to read it as been sitting on shelf for so long. 160 pages in (out of 800 +) and losing the will to live. Does it get better ??

I've had a copy of this sitting on the shelf for approximately 17 years.... would be interested to see if it's worth picking up after all these years!

Ha ! Mine may be going back on the shelf for that long ! I hate giving up on books but have so much else on my shelf I'd rather read that I keep thinking life is too short to spend reading stuff just to feel worthy !

I read it ages ago and thought it was OK, but if it's not grabbing you by 160 pages in then you're very unlikely to change your mind. It does have plot twists at the end.

I know it's an important novel because it was the first widely-read novel of its time (or something like that), but I really struggled with it. The constant fainting of women was tiresome.

One of my favourite books! I like Henry Fielding's voice, and he does let you know if a chapter is going to be plot developments or scenery.

I love Tom Jones, too! But I can see that Fielding won't be to everyone's taste. If you've given it a good shot, it's okay to give up.

Have you seen any of the film or TV adaptations?

I absolutely love Tom Jones too but the 18th century comic novel is not for everyone, although it is my absolute favourite genre. I wouldn't persevere if you aren't enjoying it. Don't feel you have to!

Thank you, I will admit it is back on the shelf but I HATE giving up on books. I generally love that genre and books written at that time but I struggled although I Have not given it up forever, and hopefully I will come back to it .