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Post by dirtypillows on Aug 24, 2018 7:27:44 GMT
I really want to read something that is generally regarded as a classic. I haven't read hardly anything that came before the 1920s, and the reason is that I can't get into the older writing styles, but I want to make that effort. And a lot of what I've read about TOTS has got me intrigued. Plus, the 1961 adaptation "The Innocents" is my 2nd favorite movie of all time, so I am seriously thinking of giving the book a shot.
Is there anybody who has anything to say about the book, good or bad?
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Post by wmcclain on Aug 26, 2018 12:37:04 GMT
I found it tough sledding. It is ambiguous in all respects, which is why academics like it: you can read anything into it.
I can't remember getting much enjoyment from anything by Henry James.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2018 21:32:01 GMT
The D.I.Y. handbook? Yeah, it's great.
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Post by dirtypillows on Aug 27, 2018 5:56:11 GMT
The D.I.Y. handbook? Yeah, it's great. huh? |
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Post by dirtypillows on Aug 27, 2018 6:02:03 GMT
I found it tough sledding. It is ambiguous in all respects, which is why academics like it: you can read anything into it. I can't remember getting much enjoyment from anything by Henry James. Okay, so much for that then. I want to read a classic that actually deserves its reputation. I know, a totally subjective thing. But who actually truly loves "Ulysses"? So, Pauline Kael had some great things to say about Chekhov, and she was not a pseudo-intellectual in the slightest, so maybe I'll just take a dive off the deep end and go whole hog. |
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Post by wmcclain on Aug 27, 2018 11:58:00 GMT
You like mysteries? Bleak House is a great book. And big. For shorter Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities.
I am fond of Trollope's Barchester Towers, although you should read The Warden first (it's short) to meet the characters.
For 20th century, how about Maugham? I liked Ashenden (mined by Hitchcock) and Cakes and Ale.
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Post by dirtypillows on Aug 27, 2018 13:31:29 GMT
You like mysteries? Bleak House is a great book. And big. For shorter Dickens: A Tale of Two Cities. I am fond of Trollope's Barchester Towers, although you should read The Warden first (it's short) to meet the characters. For 20th century, how about Maugham? I liked Ashenden (mined by Hitchcock) and Cakes and Ale. Somerset Maugham? Now that's an interesting possibility. "Of Human Bondage", "The Letter", "The Moon and Sixpence"... Hmmmm.... Thanks for that recommendation. If I end up reading something by Mr. Maugham, I will be sure to let you know! |
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Post by wmcclain on Aug 27, 2018 13:34:20 GMT
Somerset Maugham? Now that's an interesting possibility. "Of Human Bondage", "The Letter", "The Moon and Sixpence"... Hmmmm.... Thanks for that recommendation. If I end up reading something by Mr. Maugham, I will be sure to let you know! Of Human Bondage tended to go on an on, like a diary written by someone in intense therapy. Uncomfortably personal and not that interesting (In my opinion). Good luck! |
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Post by amyghost on Aug 27, 2018 16:12:01 GMT
James is possibly the most subtle author writing in English. It depends on your patience level with this, and your willingness/ability to read between the lines. If it's high, you'll find the book a compelling read; if the bar is set low for you on this, you'll find yourself bored, puzzled, and ultimately tossing it aside. James (especially later James) challenges his readers, and they have to be prepared to be up to that challenge.
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