One of my favourite classics is Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris." I'm so drawn to the character of the Archdeacon Claude Frollo and the deformed bell ringer Quasimodo. I think I have a fascination with dark, obsessive characters, really, but Frollo and Quasimodo in particular are definitely great characters. I love reading about their struggles with unrequited love and their torment.
Marni Stone Wow, I've never heard many people say they like Notre Dame (which isn't actually titled The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) Did you like Les Misérables?
One of the things I find most wonderful about bookish camaraderie - about BookTube, about book clubs - is when we really share tastes with others, while parting company dramatically in other ways. We’re both enormous fans of Gilead, of The Last Temptation of Christ, of Howard Jacobson’s intellect, etc - but I have to say, Dickens is my bag. 🙂
I was going to mention that you seemed a bit like a British version of one of my creative writing professors during my undergraduate, then I check out your profile and see you are a lecturer as well. Congrats on your awards! -Kendra
Interesting you mention that you like Jayne Eyre. Reading it now, due, partly, to having just finished and really enjoyed Wuthering Heights (despite thinking the second half could’ve been reduced by ~1/4). Not enjoying it as much as WH (marked drop off in prose, in my opinion) but your tastes seem to otherwise align with mine…hopefully I’ll come to appreciate it…only on Ch. 6.
How do you feel about classic Latin American literature? I am curious of what your opinion would be on Cervantes, Borges, Casares, Cortázar, Márquez, Fuentes, etc.
Hello - I've read a lot of Latin American literature - some of all the names you mention above. I stopped because I realised I hadn't read nearly as much 20th Century English novels (which aren't as good), but as 21st English novelist I thought I should. I love Borges deeply. Marquez is a wonderful writer. Vargas Llosa's Conversations in a Cathedral is a work of art and a book I need to re-read.
Oh yes, House of Mirth is beautiful. I agree about Great Expectations. It does nothing for me as well. I'm not a big fan of Dickens to be honest. However, I must say I absolutely loved Bleak House, which came as a complete surprise to me :)
Great video- I really hope you do manage to get to Pride and Prejudice soon- it's one of my favourite books. And it's the perfect time of year to be reading Dracula if you're looking to cross that off your list! I bought House of Mirth last year, but it came to me right in the middle of my masters, and so it has been languishing on my shelves ever since. Encouraged to bump it up the list after hearing your thoughts.
+A Hermit's Progress I will read P&P v. soon. I've got a whole load of flights coming up - 5 in a week - I'll need a lot of reading material. What's your masters, btw?
Very scholarly approach to the tag! Then again, most of your material falls under that category. That renaissance period that occurred right before Modernism seems to be quite a curious period of time. I heard a lot of good things about Proust, while I read to read some work from Henry James, Thomas Hardy, D.H. Lawrence, and those that are classified in that area. There were a lot of "classics" that I have missed, but I am hoping to include more on my reading resume in the near future. -Josh
Apparently, Bram Stoker encouraged writers to create variations on Dracula. And, it happened by accident. As Dracula was being translated into various languages he came across a lot of misinterpretations and poor translations. That was when he realized the potential for his characters, story, plot, etc...I would surmise that Anne Rice achieved an artistic feat and endeavor by giving birth to a name for Dracula: Lestat. And, again I think this may have been by accident as well.
I didn't like Great Expectations much either. It's the least favorite Dickens novel I've read so far. I did really like both Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
I’m a giant Dickens fan. Adore Little Dorrit, Our Mutual Friend, Dombey and Son, and liked several others but also not a Great Exp fan. It’s probably lower on my list than Barbaby Rudge :))
are you a fan of Neil Gaiman? He has done a few short story dark twists on Snow White that are disturbingly brilliant. I haven't read Great Expectations but I have seen a few adaptations and the story just never appealed to me enough to read because I never connected with the characters or the plot. The only Hardy I've read is Far From the Madding Crowd but I LOVED it so I am very excited to get the others I own (Tess and Under the Greenwood Tree). I need to try Proust. I completely agree with you about Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, it was brilliant and my favorite film adaptation of the play that I've seen :)
+BBCgirl520 hello - I'm afraid I don't really like Neil Gaiman - I'm not really that in to genre fiction generally. I really LOVED Far from the Madding Crowd. Tess is obviously extraordinary, but so depressing! And nothing wrong with that.
I know this is an old video, I just watched it and saw you hold up Mann’s Magic Mountain and wanted to ask if you’ve read it and what you thought of it. I ask because I haven’t seen anyone else make any mention of Thomas Mann in book tag, and I think it’s a shame because Buddenbrooks is definitely one if my top five favorite novels. I also really enjoyed Death in Venice and his other short stories/ novellas.
I personally didn't care for Joss Whedon's version of Much Ado About Nothing, and this is my favorite Shakespeare comedy. I had seen the Kenneth Branaugh version from the 90s as a young girl, and though I knew it was going to be vastly different, I was disappointed with Joss Whedon's interpretation. One thing about it I did find interesting though was that it took place entirely in one setting during a...garden party? Lunch party? Is that right? But no real set change other than indoor/outdoor. I thought that was an interesting choice. But for me the acting was lacking, and the modernized, 90s Romeo and Juliet style just wasn't working for me. Great video!!
I want to get into poetry in a "serious" way, but have no idea where to start. Would you have any recommendations for me? I know you talked about EE Cummings being a bit immature, so maybe that's where I should start??? THANKS!
I do not read anything apart from what is considered classic literature (from ancient to modern that is). You could say I prefer substantial, heavy literature. I was maybe thinking of starting with Shakespeare's Sonnets?
Shakespeare's Sonnets are wonderful of course - but very opaque; sometime impenetrable - even compared to his plays. If I had to give some one 5 poets to read based on my taste, I'd go for early shorter John Donne, Emily Dickinson, T.S Eliot, early Wallace Stevens, and Ted Hughes.
Hey, I read David Copperfield and loved it, I actually might read Great Expectations next, I'll let you know if I share the same opinion once I'm done :p
The more I think about it - we can divide readers into those who love Dickens and those who don't get it. If you loved DC, I'm sure you love GE. But let me know what you think.
Neil Griffiths Yes, 1984 was quite a shock, nothing could have prepared me to Winston's imprisonment and everything that followed, couldn't sleep until it was over. Meanwhile, page 50 of Great Expectations, again the theme of poor child with a sad childhood and yet it already made me giggle... and cry a bit too, I think I'm going to love this one too xD
+Kevin Varney I know I'm in a minority - it's just that Pip doesn't seem to change much to me - he seems nice at the start, in the middle and at the end. There isn't a place where I think his soul is in real peril.
Jane austen isn't amazing to me, I enjoy her wit but I feel like her books are kinda average. I'll read them all someday but I'm in no hurry and if they don't sound interesting to you I wouldn't fret about reading them.
Yes! I can't stand Dickens's caricatures, and I don't find him to be insightful. His stories are very much like formulaic genre fiction, just a lot more verbose. I thought that I held this opinion because I'm too young and inexperienced to "get" Dickens.
I really dislike Dickens. I find it all very dull and so very verbose. A whole paragraph on explaining why Pip is named Pip. Really?... It's just not for me.
I *loathed* Great Expectations and almost everything else I've read by Dickens, with one major caveat: A Tale of Two Cities was a life-changing novel for me, and the beginning of my own obsession with themes of sacrifice and redemption in literature. I can hardly refer to the finale of that novel in normal conversation without choking up a bit.
Dracula is a wonderful novel and so interesting when looked at from a psychoanalytical perspective, there is just so much to it.
Still haven't got round to it. So much to read; but I really need to - maybe take on holiday with me.
I love Great Expectations! Although it did take me a long while to connect with it (I studied it) however now it is a favourite
One of my favourite classics is Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris." I'm so drawn to the character of the Archdeacon Claude Frollo and the deformed bell ringer Quasimodo. I think I have a fascination with dark, obsessive characters, really, but Frollo and Quasimodo in particular are definitely great characters. I love reading about their struggles with unrequited love and their torment.
Marni Stone Wow, I've never heard many people say they like Notre Dame (which isn't actually titled The Hunchback of Notre Dame.) Did you like Les Misérables?
One of the things I find most wonderful about bookish camaraderie - about BookTube, about book clubs - is when we really share tastes with others, while parting company dramatically in other ways. We’re both enormous fans of Gilead, of The Last Temptation of Christ, of Howard Jacobson’s intellect, etc - but I have to say, Dickens is my bag. 🙂
As you know, Dickens is my blindspot. But I so love Little Dorrit.
I really liked your description of Wharton because it comes straight from you.
Hello - thank you. I've LOVE Edith Wharton. As you can probably tell.
I was going to mention that you seemed a bit like a British version of one of my creative writing professors during my undergraduate, then I check out your profile and see you are a lecturer as well. Congrats on your awards! -Kendra
thank you. glad you are two girls who want to talk about books.
Great video! I love that you go more in depth with your answers! :)
+Marie Berg Thank you - some might say I go on too long!
Haha - not at all! Its refreshing to see videos that are not rushed and actually take time to speak in more detail :)
Interesting you mention that you like Jayne Eyre. Reading it now, due, partly, to having just finished and really enjoyed Wuthering Heights (despite thinking the second half could’ve been reduced by ~1/4). Not enjoying it as much as WH (marked drop off in prose, in my opinion) but your tastes seem to otherwise align with mine…hopefully I’ll come to appreciate it…only on Ch. 6.
How do you feel about classic Latin American literature? I am curious of what your opinion would be on Cervantes, Borges, Casares, Cortázar, Márquez, Fuentes, etc.
Hello - I've read a lot of Latin American literature - some of all the names you mention above. I stopped because I realised I hadn't read nearly as much 20th Century English novels (which aren't as good), but as 21st English novelist I thought I should. I love Borges deeply. Marquez is a wonderful writer. Vargas Llosa's Conversations in a Cathedral is a work of art and a book I need to re-read.
So much agree about great expectations... It did nothing for me.
People keep telling me I'm wrong. So it's nice to hear from someone who agrees with me.
Oh yes, House of Mirth is beautiful. I agree about Great Expectations. It does nothing for me as well. I'm not a big fan of Dickens to be honest. However, I must say I absolutely loved Bleak House, which came as a complete surprise to me :)
Great video- I really hope you do manage to get to Pride and Prejudice soon- it's one of my favourite books. And it's the perfect time of year to be reading Dracula if you're looking to cross that off your list! I bought House of Mirth last year, but it came to me right in the middle of my masters, and so it has been languishing on my shelves ever since. Encouraged to bump it up the list after hearing your thoughts.
+A Hermit's Progress I will read P&P v. soon. I've got a whole load of flights coming up - 5 in a week - I'll need a lot of reading material. What's your masters, btw?
That certainly is a lot of flights- I hope that Austen provides you with some good company! I did the Mod/Con literature Mlitt at St Andrews.
Yes, House of Mirth is the greatest. But, alas, I adore Dickens.
We agree and disagree - my favourite kind of debate.
I’m so curious to know what is your top 5 novels . I bought the house of mirth today because of you
Very scholarly approach to the tag! Then again, most of your material falls under that category. That renaissance period that occurred right before Modernism seems to be quite a curious period of time. I heard a lot of good things about Proust, while I read to read some work from Henry James, Thomas Hardy, D.H. Lawrence, and those that are classified in that area. There were a lot of "classics" that I have missed, but I am hoping to include more on my reading resume in the near future. -Josh
+Literary Gladiators thanks - when you say 'scholarly' I think it's just a question of my 'advanced' years!
+Neil Griffiths You also have the time as a professor under your belt!
+Literary Gladiators Ah, yes - but that was a 'pretend' professor: guest lecturer was my official title.
+Neil Griffiths Is this in the same class as the adjunct? Either way, it is a great position to hold!
Literary Gladiators Yes. Same thing.
I feel the same about Great Expectations. I find it overhyped.
I really enjoyed "The Europeans" by Henry James! Need to read more of his works.
I need to read more mid-period James.
Apparently, Bram Stoker encouraged writers to create variations on Dracula. And, it happened by accident. As Dracula was being translated into various languages he came across a lot of misinterpretations and poor translations. That was when he realized the potential for his characters, story, plot, etc...I would surmise that Anne Rice achieved an artistic feat and endeavor by giving birth to a name for Dracula: Lestat. And, again I think this may have been by accident as well.
I didn't know that about Bram Stoker. Well, he got his wish - I can't list the versions of Dracula across story, stage, screen I've seen,
I didn't like Great Expectations much either. It's the least favorite Dickens novel I've read so far. I did really like both Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
I’m a giant Dickens fan. Adore Little Dorrit, Our Mutual Friend, Dombey and Son, and liked several others but also not a Great Exp fan. It’s probably lower on my list than Barbaby Rudge :))
are you a fan of Neil Gaiman? He has done a few short story dark twists on Snow White that are disturbingly brilliant. I haven't read Great Expectations but I have seen a few adaptations and the story just never appealed to me enough to read because I never connected with the characters or the plot. The only Hardy I've read is Far From the Madding Crowd but I LOVED it so I am very excited to get the others I own (Tess and Under the Greenwood Tree). I need to try Proust. I completely agree with you about Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, it was brilliant and my favorite film adaptation of the play that I've seen :)
+BBCgirl520 hello - I'm afraid I don't really like Neil Gaiman - I'm not really that in to genre fiction generally. I really LOVED Far from the Madding Crowd. Tess is obviously extraordinary, but so depressing! And nothing wrong with that.
You are my favorite booktuber.
Well, that's very kind indeed. Thank you!
I know this is an old video, I just watched it and saw you hold up Mann’s Magic Mountain and wanted to ask if you’ve read it and what you thought of it. I ask because I haven’t seen anyone else make any mention of Thomas Mann in book tag, and I think it’s a shame because Buddenbrooks is definitely one if my top five favorite novels. I also really enjoyed Death in Venice and his other short stories/ novellas.
I love The Magic Mountain - it's a massively flawed masterpiece, a truly great and important book, but my god it's structurally flawed.
I personally didn't care for Joss Whedon's version of Much Ado About Nothing, and this is my favorite Shakespeare comedy. I had seen the Kenneth Branaugh version from the 90s as a young girl, and though I knew it was going to be vastly different, I was disappointed with Joss Whedon's interpretation.
One thing about it I did find interesting though was that it took place entirely in one setting during a...garden party? Lunch party? Is that right? But no real set change other than indoor/outdoor. I thought that was an interesting choice. But for me the acting was lacking, and the modernized, 90s Romeo and Juliet style just wasn't working for me. Great video!!
I thought the single day aspect was very good, but I thought the female lead was the best I've seen. Thanks for comment.
Awesome, loving your videos and taking notes of what to read next. Is The Odissey a book you can easily read as a novel or do you have to study it?
Odyssey is definitely readable as a novel - especially Robert Fagles translation. You do need to get into the rhythms, but by page 10 you'll be there.
i'm sure if u read a tale of two cities and the pickwick papers u will change u're mind about dickens
People keep saying this about different Dickens novels, but other than Little Dorrit - nothing has stayed with me.
Unbelievable no JA... Try Mansfield Park... Most complex by far
I want to get into poetry in a "serious" way, but have no idea where to start. Would you have any recommendations for me? I know you talked about EE Cummings being a bit immature, so maybe that's where I should start??? THANKS!
Hi there - it’s difficult to advise where to start. What kind of novels do you like? That might point us in the right direction....
I do not read anything apart from what is considered classic literature (from ancient to modern that is). You could say I prefer substantial, heavy literature. I was maybe thinking of starting with Shakespeare's Sonnets?
Shakespeare's Sonnets are wonderful of course - but very opaque; sometime impenetrable - even compared to his plays. If I had to give some one 5 poets to read based on my taste, I'd go for early shorter John Donne, Emily Dickinson, T.S Eliot, early Wallace Stevens, and Ted Hughes.
Thank you so much for the recommendations! I trust your tastes, and will give those poets a go.
I’m afraid I couldn’t find the UA-camr ‘This is who I mean’. Could you please write down the name of the channel? Thanks!
Agree about Great Expectations. Don't understand the hype.
Have you read any Dostoyevsky?
Yes, lots, almost all. He's my favourite writer, just.
Hey, I read David Copperfield and loved it, I actually might read Great Expectations next, I'll let you know if I share the same opinion once I'm done :p
The more I think about it - we can divide readers into those who love Dickens and those who don't get it. If you loved DC, I'm sure you love GE. But let me know what you think.
Neil Griffiths I hope you're right about that, just finished 1984 so I'm probably picking Great Expectations nex
Neil Griffiths I'll let you know!
that's quite a tonal leap - the austere prose of Orwell to the Victorian extravagance of Dickens.
Neil Griffiths Yes, 1984 was quite a shock, nothing could have prepared me to Winston's imprisonment and everything that followed, couldn't sleep until it was over. Meanwhile, page 50 of Great Expectations, again the theme of poor child with a sad childhood and yet it already made me giggle... and cry a bit too, I think I'm going to love this one too xD
Thank you!
great video
+imsecretlyacat Thanks.
No emotional journey in Great Ex ?!?
+Kevin Varney I know I'm in a minority - it's just that Pip doesn't seem to change much to me - he seems nice at the start, in the middle and at the end. There isn't a place where I think his soul is in real peril.
Jane austen isn't amazing to me, I enjoy her wit but I feel like her books are kinda average. I'll read them all someday but I'm in no hurry and if they don't sound interesting to you I wouldn't fret about reading them.
Thank you for letting me off the hook to read more. But I might try Emma sometime.
Never give a book a bad review.
rr?
Yes! I can't stand Dickens's caricatures, and I don't find him to be insightful. His stories are very much like formulaic genre fiction, just a lot more verbose. I thought that I held this opinion because I'm too young and inexperienced to "get" Dickens.
No - you hold this opinion because you're insightful and right!
I really dislike Dickens. I find it all very dull and so very verbose. A whole paragraph on explaining why Pip is named Pip. Really?...
It's just not for me.
+A Novel Experience Thank God someone agrees with me - I tend to find I'm alone in a room in disliking Dickens.
I *loathed* Great Expectations and almost everything else I've read by Dickens, with one major caveat: A Tale of Two Cities was a life-changing novel for me, and the beginning of my own obsession with themes of sacrifice and redemption in literature. I can hardly refer to the finale of that novel in normal conversation without choking up a bit.
Please give him another go. I’d recommend Oliver Twist or Our Mutual Friend.
You have no animation; your delivery is tedious and emotionless.