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

[DarrellRivers]

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.

I really enjoyed Wuthering Heights as well

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

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

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.

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

Hurrah for Tamum and her impeccable taste.

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

Daniel Deronda better than Middlemarch imo

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

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

Frankenstein Mary shelley

Why thank you 100

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

[fingers in ears]

Middlemarch,middlemarch,middlemarch.middlemarch

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

A Rebours

Against nature in english Huysmans

fascinating stuff

yes 100x it is a very good book

but not as good as Daniel Deronda

don't mind being ignored by u literattis

they ignored me earlier zippi

they are too busy blowing dust off books

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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