I really appreciate your reminder that it’s not about reading as much or ‘everything’ as possible-a battle that can’t be won. Rather, it’s about what you take away from each book on a personal level. This is especially important to remember with Booktube, where it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers.
Don’t you ever wish you could go back to the time that you first picked up that perfect book and it was all new and unexpected? How sad to have no new books to look forward to 🙂
84 Charing Cross Road. It has you, Tristan, written all over it. The friendship and dialog between the buyer and sellers is warm and humorous, but I was most fascinated and held by the books Helene requests. Her taste in books was eclectic and intriguing. I have read 84 Charing Cross road several times and added to my own reading list via Helene's.
Several of these intrigue me, but I think the one that I'm the most eager to hear more about is The Death of the Heart. That's my vote. Side note, thank you for emphasizing that no one should be embarrassed by not having read some particular book (or not having read very many books, for that matter!). I just retired after 30 years of teaching and I've always told my students, "Never be embarrassed when you don't know something! We're here to learn new things, not to brag about what we already know. Life is boring if you already know everything!" I believe that about reading, too. It's a journey for all of us and there's no shame in what part of the journey we're on, as long as we're taking something in as we move along.
How can we choose just one with those absolute gems? If i must, my vote is for The House of Mirth only because I'm steeped in The Age of Innocence currently and am blown away by it. Happy reading!
I vote for Sentimental Education by Gustavo Flaubert. The opening paragraph was so beautiful! Thank you for doing these great videos, you are the best!!!!
84 Charing cross Rd has my vote. I loved finding the site of the shop in London and reading that Helen Hanph had unveiled the commemorative plaque there. However, all 10 books could be read on your channel in the next few years. All of them are intriguing.
I loved Adam Bede and vote for that. Be aware though nothing much happens in the first half - it's all character development - then the second half is jaw-dropping amazing!
Tristan, I love your enthusiasm, it's contagious. And, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. I am voting for La Symphonie Pastorale and Isabelle, both stories sound interesting. I just subscribed to your other channel, I try to live a simple life. In today's culture/world it can be difficult. I'm looking forward to you talking about it.
I read 'The Death of the Heart' about 4 years ago, having purchased it on a whim a couple of decades (!) earlier and then left it in my book cellar to mature. I wasn't expecting much from it but by the end of the book I understood why it has been described as one of the best 100 modern novels. It was a book that was so good that I immediately had to read it again. So, Elizabeth Bowen gets my vote as I'd love to hear your own reaction to the book.
I read Siddhartha way back in 1980 or so. I never forgot these words: "Everything lied, stank of lies. The world tasted bitter. Life was pain." I have said them to myself countless times through the years.
Hi Tristan my vote is for Andre Gide's La Symphonie Pasturale & Isabelle both stories sounded interesting I would love to hear a full synopsis of Gide's books before I jump onto Amazon and buy a copy. 😊
I vote for Death of the Heart. I loved Howard's End, read Siddhartha years ago, and would love to hear your take on them. I saw the film of 84 Charing Cross with Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins and will add the book to my TBR list. Who doesn't love a book about people who love books?
Elizabeth Bowen's book really intrigued me. You really get me into these books by reading the first paragraph or page. My pile of books to read is getting very big. Thank you for that.
Because I’ve become obsessed with George Eliot and haven’t read Adam Bede yet, my vote is for this classic. I’d also like to comment on your closing mention regarding your second channel and love the idea of slow and thoughtful living. In today’s upheaval climate I think in order to stay sane taking a step or two back to simpler thinking is refreshing and much needed. Thank you for all you do!
Adam Bede. Then House of Mirth. They’ve both been consistently given high praise when anyone sees them on my bookshelf- and yet I haven’t read either. 🤦🏼♀️❤️✌🏻😂
Nietzsche of course! I have read some of his other works and felt confident enough of my understanding of his views, to read the less complex Thus Spake Zarathustra - and I am blown away! I bet you can fill in the blanks for those not familiar with him. I'm only on page 23, but I keep underlining and re-reading the passages over and over again. This is the right time for the world to start reading Nietzsche!
Although Howards End is on my TBR and I would love to hear your review, I am voting for The Death of the Heart - I've never heard of it but was interested after you read the opening paragraph.
I have Adam Bede, The House of Mirth, and Howard's End still on my TBR as well. I think all of these have 5 star potential, but I'm voting for The House of Mirth since I plan on reading it this summer.
I'm very appreciative of your videos. I not only enjoy listening to you, but I learn exactly what I want to know i.e. what books i now want to read. Many thanks Tristan.
I've read 4 and loved them all: Adam Bede, The House of Mirth, Howards End and 84, Charing Cross Rd. If you have a lot of time, I'd vote for Adam Bede. If you only have an evening, I'd vote for 84, Charing Cross Rd (I read it every New Year's to kick off a new year of reading). And for myself I'll vote for the Gide novellas, as I am most curious about these novellas which I haven't read.
Wow, such a hard choice! I vote for Death of the Heart. I'd never heard of it, and I've never read anything by Elizabeth Bowen, but it sounds absolutely wonderful. (As do all the books. What a great haul!)😊
1- Sentimental Education 2- Howards End 3- Adam Bede All of these sound fantastic; all three are on my TBR. It will be interesting to see which of the ten gets chosen.
Piers Plowman strikes me as the one I am least likely to read alone, so it gets my vote for your review. I so look forward to hearing you read excerpts! Much more musical than I could do in my own head, I know.
Beautiful selections! I vote for Flaubert's Sentimental Education! I read that in college and want to delve into it again with your encouragement and your fresh eyes!
After hearing the first paragraph, I would love to hear more about The Death of the Heart. And after listening to your reading of Animal Farm, I wouldn’t mind an audio version of this one too.
What an intriguing list you have presented to us! And impossible to choose from! I will dive into Sentimental Education for my vote. I love your channel, Tristan!!
Well, Tristan, I was fixing to vote for the Wharton, an author I quite like, but then you talked about the Elizabeth Bowen. That sounds intriguing. Ergo: #1 Bowen, #2 Wharton. I'll enjoy whatever you review, though. Cheers from Colorado in Yankdom.
WOW! This is some list of books! What a difficult feat you've entrusted us with. My thoughts, I don't like dreary or downer type stories in the summer months. I always think of the summer season as a slower, reflective time. So I'm going to vote for Howard's End first, 84 Charing Cross Road second, and Adam Bede third. The others also sound marvelous, but I'd go with different seasons when picking them up (The House of Mirth, for instance; great read but there isn't much cheeriness between the pages). Can't wait to see what you select! Really great, interesting video. 😍
I do vote for Adam Bede or House of Mirth foremostly. Lol I just wanted to add thx for your description of the Death of the Heart. I believe we all have to study each other sometimes. I am intrigued 🤗
I have to vote for 84 Charing Cross Road. It's a short book, but it will stay with you long after you read it. Just hearing you mention the title reminded me of how I felt the first time I read it and brought back a pleasant and heartwarming experience. Few books will touch you like this one.
I was going to vote for 'Sentimental Education' but that first paragraph of 'The Death of the Heart' was brilliant and intriguing and changed my mind to put it in the top spot. Third is 'The Vision of Piers Plowman'. Yes, please do a video of the best opening paragraphs, it's fascinating to learn how great writers draw us into a story.
My vote is the Elizabeth Bowen’s book. You seemed the most excited by that one and we could all use something completely fresh at the half way through the year point!
I just read 84 Charing Cross Road a month or so ago and found it a delightful read. :D Adam Bede is on my TBR for the year so I would love for you to read that one. :)
Hi Tristan! If you're interested in a Nietzschean-like character acted out in a literary world, you might enjoy Ibsen's play, "Brand". Flaubert's Sentimental Education is a wonderful read, this summer I plan to read Salammbo!
It's hard to vote for one. Can I do 3 in row? I'll vote for Siddhartha first. I read it a long while ago now but it's quick to get through and sticks, like chewing gum to your shoe on a hot summer pavement. I'd say follow that with 84 Charing Cross road. It looks like you picked up the exact copy I read back in 1980's lol. It would follow Siddhartha nicely in its accounting of life, and you'll enjoy the emotions it evokes. It's also a very quick read and will leave you ready for more reading. On this note, I read it again decades later. When I first read it, I was of a mind to chase up and read all of the books mentioned in it and I felt the urge to read it again just because I wanted to know how many I got to as much as enjoy it again lol. I was also trying to sort out books for a destash, but that didn't work so well as I just started reading all the books again that I was supposed to be reducing. In the end I decided to keep my books regardless of what others thought about my mismash library and settle for making sure I only kept one copy of something and let go of doubles. For my own interest I'd like you read Sentimental Education. I'd really like to hear your take on it. Plus it is on my radar to read for myself.
Way too late to vote, but I loved Adam Bede when I read it two years ago. Your brief synopsis makes it sound as though you have already read it. Also Siddhartha. Very spiritual
So many good books, I want to hear your ideas on them all. Lol But I'm voting for Siddhartha. I read it last year and knew when I finished it that it's a book I have to read more then once to absorb. I'd love your input.
Tough choice this. I’ve come back to it again and again. ‘Thus Spoke’ I thought as that came up. Then ‘Siddhartha’ took pole, as it were. But, for me, it has to be ‘Plowman’. I had never even heard of it until you brought it up here. Sounds fascinating.
Hi, Tristan. I enjoy your very perceptive discussions of the classics. I can’t devote a lot of time so I catch your podcast when they pop up sporadically. I often wonder if you came across two great Italian classics, “The Leopard” by de Lampedusa and Giovanni Verga’s “The House by the Medlar Tree.” “I Malvoglia” is its Italian title. It is an important influence on modernist writing. There are many translations of it, but DO NOT read D. H. Lawrence’s. It is deadly and actually hindered its acceptance by English readers. Fortunately, there are now many excellent translations. Your thoughts?
What a decision! I would love to read several of these books having only read Siddhartha and 84 Charing Cross Road both of which I loved and intend reading again. For something new I am torn between Nietzsche and Edith Wharton but will plumb for Thus Spake Zarathustra as I’ve wanted to read Nietzsches philosophy ( in particular relating to free will)since reading Dostoyevsky last year.
Wow this is quite a group of books! However, I have it down to two varied selections Thus Spoke Zarathustra and 84 Charing Cross Road. Hum… I will vote for Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Enjoy the read, which ever is voted upon!
Hello Tristan! I hope you are doing well. My first vote would be The Visions of Piers Plowman and the second would be Howards End. I look forward to your next video. Have a great weekend!
I first read Siddartha at 9 or 10 years old, and I'm thinking (now age 41) a reread is due. 😊 As much as I LOVE Forster's writing, my hope is that you will choose to read/review Bowen's "The Death of the Heart". I do not recall hearing of this title before, but the opening is beautiful!
Thanks Tristan for another interesting vid! I’m going to vote for the one I HAVE read, in part bc I love it-A Sentimental Education. It’s ironic & funny & even educational about France’s 1848 upheaval. One can also do a walking tour of Paris that follows the main character Frederic’s wanderings through the city. If you don’t read it next month I hope you’ll read it soon and review it!! Thanks again! 😊
There is a BBC DVD with 5 George Elliot TV series including Adam Bede. Elliot was a great favorite of Queen Victoria. I consider Forster one of the top 7 novelists of all time and the best author of these 10.
I was torn between Death Of the Heart and 84 Charing Cross Road. I chose Death Of the Heart. I’ve just got to know what’s in that diary! I have also added 4 more books to my “to read” list, so thank you for introducing some new books to me.
How to choose from such a list?? But, since I must decide; then Death of the Heart. I’m excited for your book review no matter which book won the vote. ❤
Isabelle is very good, gave me a feeling like Rebecca and has an unexpected ending. My vote goes to Howard's End since i have it. I would love to read it along with you if you pick it, Great video as usual.
Tristan I was very surprised at the similarities between "Plowman" and the much older book The Romance of the Rose written in 1225 by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. If you have the time it is VERY worthwhile. I found it The Romance of the Rose absolutely wonderful (this is NOT to be confused with Umberto Ecco who wrote the famous one with Rose in the title). It is interesting how much the plot of the 1225 book mirrors Plowman!!!
I first was introduced to Elizabeth Bowen in a book about writing by Eudora Welty . I read many of her books and liked them but found she was rather unknown . An almost contemporary of Virginia Woolf , she wrote of the period in the 30s between the wars , one of my favorite periods . An 81 year old grandmother , former English major , I love thoughtful insightful books , like the ones you mention . I vote for the Death of the Heart .
I have tried to read Adam Bede a couple times now. I get so bogged down in the dialect during the first part of the book (not sure if it continues throughout) that I just have set it aside. I'm new to your channel, does this mean you would read it out loud to us? If so, I don't recommend this one unless you enjoy a challenge!
I read Siddhartha, Demian and Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (college in the sixties). Having read Siddhartha won me some cred with my Bio-Conservation professor, because I was the only one in class that had read Siddhartha and knew about the river. I took Flaubert's Sentimental Education to read during a trip to Norway and left it for a Norwegian friend to read. Books like everything else are so expensive in Norway. She was glad I finished it. I do not think it was Flaubert's best book, but I enjoyed it. The House of Mirth is terrific, but a deceptive title, it gets my vote.
Based on 1st paragraphs, both "House of Mirth" and "84 Charing Cross Road" sound the most intriguing. No matter what you end up choosing, I think I'll head over to the library today and pick them up!
Howard's End is my vote. I greatly enjoyed it when I read it a couple of years ago. I used to pop into 84 Charing Cross Road when it used to be a classical CD shop back in the day. Never read the book, though, and it does sound intriguing so will seek it out.
I vote for The House of Mirth as it's one of the very few books where I actually sobbed reading. But I'm actually quite intrigued now by Piers Plowman :DDD
I adore Adam Bede. Madame Bovary is one of my favorite classics and yet I never read anything else by Flaubert. I must remedy that. I cannot get into Edit Wharton. I have tried a few times and none of her books pulled me in. I read Siddhartha about 20 years ago and remember loving it but don't remember anything about it. Howard's End is a book I've always wanted to read but for some reason never pick up. I was underwhelmed by 84 Charing Cross Road. I know this is an unpopular opinion because so many people love it, but it was meh for me. My vote for you would be Adam Bede :)
If you do combine your book channels , I think a nice addition would be to give readers your thoughts on which of the more modern books have the potential to be future classics. I would appreciate that and I think others would also. Thank you.
I've read only 2 of the books on the list: House of Mirth and Howard's End, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm voting for The Death of the Heart - the writing sounds superb!
I’ve read the first seven, and of those, I’d be most likely to reread The House of Mirth (my vote), L’education sentimental, and Howard’s End. Can’t go wrong with any of those, but Mirth hit me the hardest. Of those I’ve not read, I;d choose Piers Plowman.
Hello Tristan, So many wonderful choices. I narrowed it down between E.M Forster, Edith Wharton and Elizabeth Bowen. Iam choosing the latter, Elizabeth Bowen's 'The Death of the Heart' purely on your reading of the opening paragraph. I wanted to rush out and buy a copy to read although at the same time I felt it would be painful and sad. I just want to know the story and how it ends.
I vote for The House of Mirth. I believe it is her masterpiece, and it's one of my all-time favoirte books. The sentence "My Genius would appear to be my ability to do the wrong thing at the right time" haunts me. I've also read and loved Sentimental Education (in French, my native language :) )
I have been reading through Elizabeth Bowen's work but haven't yet read The Dry Heart. I would love to hear your opinion of this author. So that's my vote -The Dry Heart
I really appreciate your reminder that it’s not about reading as much or ‘everything’ as possible-a battle that can’t be won. Rather, it’s about what you take away from each book on a personal level. This is especially important to remember with Booktube, where it’s easy to get caught up in the numbers.
Numbers are a harsh taskmaster. A sure way to Huck the joy out of a book.
Don’t you ever wish you could go back to the time that you first picked up that perfect book and it was all new and unexpected?
How sad to have no new books to look forward to 🙂
84 Charing Cross Road. It has you, Tristan, written all over it. The friendship and dialog between the buyer and sellers is warm and humorous, but I was most fascinated and held by the books Helene requests. Her taste in books was eclectic and intriguing. I have read 84 Charing Cross road several times and added to my own reading list via Helene's.
I second 84 Charing Cross Rd …you’ll laugh and cry with this one!
Add my vote for this one. ❤😊
such a lovely book.
Several of these intrigue me, but I think the one that I'm the most eager to hear more about is The Death of the Heart. That's my vote.
Side note, thank you for emphasizing that no one should be embarrassed by not having read some particular book (or not having read very many books, for that matter!). I just retired after 30 years of teaching and I've always told my students, "Never be embarrassed when you don't know something! We're here to learn new things, not to brag about what we already know. Life is boring if you already know everything!" I believe that about reading, too. It's a journey for all of us and there's no shame in what part of the journey we're on, as long as we're taking something in as we move along.
How can we choose just one with those absolute gems?
If i must, my vote is for The House of Mirth only because I'm steeped in The Age of Innocence currently and am blown away by it.
Happy reading!
I vote for Sentimental Education by Gustavo Flaubert. The opening paragraph was so beautiful! Thank you for doing these great videos, you are the best!!!!
Thank you Lorraine. Flaunert is winning at the moment.
84 Charing cross Rd has my vote. I loved finding the site of the shop in London and reading that Helen Hanph had unveiled the commemorative plaque there. However, all 10 books could be read on your channel in the next few years. All of them are intriguing.
I loved Adam Bede and vote for that. Be aware though nothing much happens in the first half - it's all character development - then the second half is jaw-dropping amazing!
Good to know. Fortunately I love character development. 😀👍
Whoa! Thanks for this comment!!!
I vote for "The death of the heart" because you were so taken by its opening paragraph.😊
Piers Plowman for me. Also, “it titillates my fancy” is my new favorite phrase… so great.
Tristan, I love your enthusiasm, it's contagious. And, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with us. I am voting for La Symphonie Pastorale and Isabelle, both stories sound interesting. I just subscribed to your other channel, I try to live a simple life. In today's culture/world it can be difficult. I'm looking forward to you talking about it.
I read 'The Death of the Heart' about 4 years ago, having purchased it on a whim a couple of decades (!) earlier and then left it in my book cellar to mature. I wasn't expecting much from it but by the end of the book I understood why it has been described as one of the best 100 modern novels. It was a book that was so good that I immediately had to read it again. So, Elizabeth Bowen gets my vote as I'd love to hear your own reaction to the book.
Howard’s End - I’m interested to see what you think. I found the comparison of the classes, ages, and the gender roles fascinating.
I read Siddhartha way back in 1980 or so. I never forgot these words: "Everything lied, stank of lies. The world tasted bitter. Life was pain." I have said them to myself countless times through the years.
Ooo very nice.
That’s depressing.
Loved every moment of this novel.
Hi Tristan my vote is for Andre Gide's La Symphonie Pasturale & Isabelle both stories sounded interesting I would love to hear a full synopsis of Gide's books before I jump onto Amazon and buy a copy. 😊
My vote goes to Howard's End. A superb study in character.
You're the first vote for Forster. I love his writing.
@@tristanandtheclassics6538 I just voted for it too! 😃
I vote for Death of the Heart. I loved Howard's End, read Siddhartha years ago, and would love to hear your take on them. I saw the film of 84 Charing Cross with Anne Bancroft and Anthony Hopkins and will add the book to my TBR list. Who doesn't love a book about people who love books?
Elizabeth Bowen's book really intrigued me. You really get me into these books by reading the first paragraph or page. My pile of books to read is getting very big. Thank you for that.
Because I’ve become obsessed with George Eliot and haven’t read Adam Bede yet, my vote is for this classic. I’d also like to comment on your closing mention regarding your second channel and love the idea of slow and thoughtful living. In today’s upheaval climate I think in order to stay sane taking a step or two back to simpler thinking is refreshing and much needed. Thank you for all you do!
Adam Bede. Then House of Mirth. They’ve both been consistently given high praise when anyone sees them on my bookshelf- and yet I haven’t read either. 🤦🏼♀️❤️✌🏻😂
The House of Mirth is AMAZIZING!!!
Do read them!
I just read Adam Bede in April and it's an amazing book!! Then again I love George Eliot!! Highly recommend!!❤
Nietzsche of course! I have read some of his other works and felt confident enough of my understanding of his views, to read the less complex Thus Spake Zarathustra - and I am blown away! I bet you can fill in the blanks for those not familiar with him. I'm only on page 23, but I keep underlining and re-reading the passages over and over again. This is the right time for the world to start reading Nietzsche!
My vote goes for Elisabeth Bowen.
Your review of the books were fantastically interesting. 😊
House of Mirth... I've read 2 Wharton's so far and love them both. I'm so excited to get to more.
Yeah, I’d love to see a Siddhartha review from you. Definitely one of my all time favorites.
Although Howards End is on my TBR and I would love to hear your review, I am voting for The Death of the Heart - I've never heard of it but was interested after you read the opening paragraph.
For bookish heart warming: 84 charing cross. Siddhartha = quiet contemplation. Looking forward to your choice.
Thanks for the votes. 😃❤️
I have Adam Bede, The House of Mirth, and Howard's End still on my TBR as well. I think all of these have 5 star potential, but I'm voting for The House of Mirth since I plan on reading it this summer.
I'm very appreciative of your videos. I not only enjoy listening to you, but I learn exactly what I want to know i.e. what books i now want to read. Many thanks Tristan.
I've read 4 and loved them all: Adam Bede, The House of Mirth, Howards End and 84, Charing Cross Rd. If you have a lot of time, I'd vote for Adam Bede. If you only have an evening, I'd vote for 84, Charing Cross Rd (I read it every New Year's to kick off a new year of reading). And for myself I'll vote for the Gide novellas, as I am most curious about these novellas which I haven't read.
Thanks for the advice. I've noted you Gide vote.
Wow, such a hard choice! I vote for Death of the Heart. I'd never heard of it, and I've never read anything by Elizabeth Bowen, but it sounds absolutely wonderful. (As do all the books. What a great haul!)😊
I love House of Mirth and have read it two times now. If you haven't read it, you should!
It does intrigue me. 😀❤️
I'm reading it now and I love it!
1- Sentimental Education
2- Howards End
3- Adam Bede
All of these sound fantastic; all three are on my TBR.
It will be interesting to see which of the ten gets chosen.
Piers Plowman strikes me as the one I am least likely to read alone, so it gets my vote for your review. I so look forward to hearing you read excerpts! Much more musical than I could do in my own head, I know.
Beautiful selections! I vote for Flaubert's Sentimental Education! I read that in college and want to delve into it again with your encouragement and your fresh eyes!
After hearing the first paragraph, I would love to hear more about The Death of the Heart. And after listening to your reading of Animal Farm, I wouldn’t mind an audio version of this one too.
What an intriguing list you have presented to us! And impossible to choose from! I will dive into Sentimental Education for my vote. I love your channel, Tristan!!
Well, Tristan, I was fixing to vote for the Wharton, an author I quite like, but then you talked about the Elizabeth Bowen. That sounds intriguing. Ergo: #1 Bowen, #2 Wharton. I'll enjoy whatever you review, though. Cheers from Colorado in Yankdom.
WOW! This is some list of books! What a difficult feat you've entrusted us with. My thoughts, I don't like dreary or downer type stories in the summer months. I always think of the summer season as a slower, reflective time. So I'm going to vote for Howard's End first, 84 Charing Cross Road second, and Adam Bede third. The others also sound marvelous, but I'd go with different seasons when picking them up (The House of Mirth, for instance; great read but there isn't much cheeriness between the pages). Can't wait to see what you select! Really great, interesting video. 😍
I do vote for Adam Bede or House of Mirth foremostly. Lol
I just wanted to add thx for your description of the Death of the Heart. I believe we all have to study each other sometimes. I am intrigued 🤗
I have to vote for 84 Charing Cross Road. It's a short book, but it will stay with you long after you read it. Just hearing you mention the title reminded me of how I felt the first time I read it and brought back a pleasant and heartwarming experience. Few books will touch you like this one.
Hello Tristan, being a major fan of Edith Wharton, I would probably vote for 'House of Mirth,; but Adam Bede sounds good, too!
I was going to vote for 'Sentimental Education' but that first paragraph of 'The Death of the Heart' was brilliant and intriguing and changed my mind to put it in the top spot. Third is 'The Vision of Piers Plowman'.
Yes, please do a video of the best opening paragraphs, it's fascinating to learn how great writers draw us into a story.
Same for me. I had a different book in mind but that opening paragraph pulled me right in.
@@theoriginaledi It was fantastic, wasn't it? I admit I had never heard of Elizabeth Bowen before but, golly, her prose is powerful.
@@zaygezunt I hadn't either! Before I even started the video, I assumed I'd vote for something I know and love, but I got a surprise! :D
@@theoriginaledi Me too 💯
My vote is the Elizabeth Bowen’s book. You seemed the most excited by that one and we could all use something completely fresh at the half way through the year point!
Sentimental Education. Having listened to your insightful commentary on Madame Bovary, I’d love to continue with you on this one.
I just read 84 Charing Cross Road a month or so ago and found it a delightful read. :D Adam Bede is on my TBR for the year so I would love for you to read that one. :)
Hi Tristan! If you're interested in a Nietzschean-like character acted out in a literary world, you might enjoy Ibsen's play, "Brand". Flaubert's Sentimental Education is a wonderful read, this summer I plan to read Salammbo!
Thanks for the recommendation, I'll look into it 😀
My vote is for Sentimental Education by Flaubert, since you said it is claimed to be the most influential novel of the 19th century.
I must admit it is one I really want to read, and I'm reading Madame Bovary by Flaubert next month, so it would be a good marriage.
It's hard to vote for one. Can I do 3 in row?
I'll vote for Siddhartha first. I read it a long while ago now but it's quick to get through and sticks, like chewing gum to your shoe on a hot summer pavement.
I'd say follow that with 84 Charing Cross road. It looks like you picked up the exact copy I read back in 1980's lol. It would follow Siddhartha nicely in its accounting of life, and you'll enjoy the emotions it evokes. It's also a very quick read and will leave you ready for more reading.
On this note, I read it again decades later. When I first read it, I was of a mind to chase up and read all of the books mentioned in it and I felt the urge to read it again just because I wanted to know how many I got to as much as enjoy it again lol.
I was also trying to sort out books for a destash, but that didn't work so well as I just started reading all the books again that I was supposed to be reducing. In the end I decided to keep my books regardless of what others thought about my mismash library and settle for making sure I only kept one copy of something and let go of doubles.
For my own interest I'd like you read Sentimental Education. I'd really like to hear your take on it. Plus it is on my radar to read for myself.
They all sound pretty intriguing! 🤓 I think my top three are House of Mirth, Death of the Heart, and Charing Cross Road.
I vote for (1) the Death of the Heart; or, alternatively, 2) La Symphonie Pastorale and Isabelle. Great video Tristan.
You make them all sound so intriguing. But la symphonie pastorale and Isabelle get my vote with Siddartha second. Thanks for what you do.
Way too late to vote, but I loved Adam Bede when I read it two years ago. Your brief synopsis makes it sound as though you have already read it.
Also Siddhartha. Very spiritual
So many good books, I want to hear your ideas on them all. Lol
But I'm voting for Siddhartha. I read it last year and knew when I finished it that it's a book I have to read more then once to absorb. I'd love your input.
The Death of the Heart sounds fascinating.
I vote for Sentimental Education. The opening paragraph sounds fascinating.😊
Copy that! 😃❤️
Hi Tristan, my vote goes to Sentimental Education by Flaubert!
Tough choice this. I’ve come back to it again and again. ‘Thus Spoke’ I thought as that came up. Then ‘Siddhartha’ took pole, as it were. But, for me, it has to be ‘Plowman’. I had never even heard of it until you brought it up here. Sounds fascinating.
Hi, Tristan. I enjoy your very perceptive discussions of the classics. I can’t devote a lot of time so I catch your podcast when they pop up sporadically. I often wonder if you came across two great Italian classics, “The Leopard” by de Lampedusa and Giovanni Verga’s “The House by the Medlar Tree.” “I Malvoglia” is its Italian title. It is an important influence on modernist writing. There are many translations of it, but DO NOT read D. H. Lawrence’s. It is deadly and actually hindered its acceptance by English readers. Fortunately, there are now many excellent translations. Your thoughts?
Yes, Lampedusa. Perfect book. And there is also a Visconti movie on that. Do recommend them both. I am not from Italy.
What a decision! I would love to read several of these books having only read Siddhartha and 84 Charing Cross Road both of which I loved and intend reading again. For something new I am torn between Nietzsche and Edith Wharton but will plumb for Thus Spake Zarathustra as I’ve wanted to read Nietzsches philosophy ( in particular relating to free will)since reading Dostoyevsky last year.
My vote goes to Adam Bede. A truly fantastic read for me. George Eliot’s writing is glorious imo. 😊
I enjoy her writing too. I've noted your vote.
Another excellent video. I would vote for, The Death of the Heart.
So many wonderful options! Howards End is my top pick. Can't wait to read them all, though!
I'd love a review of The Visions of Piers Plowman. It sounds so interesting!
Wow this is quite a group of books! However, I have it down to two varied selections Thus Spoke Zarathustra and 84 Charing Cross Road. Hum… I will vote for Thus Spoke Zarathustra. Enjoy the read, which ever is voted upon!
Thank you, Kathleen 😀
The House of Mirth!!! Beautiful novel ❤
Hello Tristan! I hope you are doing well. My first vote would be The Visions of Piers Plowman and the second would be Howards End. I look forward to your next video. Have a great weekend!
I first read Siddartha at 9 or 10 years old, and I'm thinking (now age 41) a reread is due. 😊
As much as I LOVE Forster's writing, my hope is that you will choose to read/review Bowen's "The Death of the Heart". I do not recall hearing of this title before, but the opening is beautiful!
Voting for Siddhartha, mainly because I have it and haven't read it yet!
Thanks Tristan for another interesting vid! I’m going to vote for the one I HAVE read, in part bc I love it-A Sentimental Education. It’s ironic & funny & even educational about France’s 1848 upheaval. One can also do a walking tour of Paris that follows the main character Frederic’s wanderings through the city. If you don’t read it next month I hope you’ll read it soon and review it!! Thanks again! 😊
Such a hard choice! But I've gotta say Adam Bede, which I read for the first time last Victober and loved.
I would start with Adam Bede; any George Eliot is a good thing!
I do enjoy Eliots writing.
There is a BBC DVD with 5 George Elliot TV series including Adam Bede. Elliot was a great favorite of Queen Victoria. I consider Forster one of the top 7 novelists of all time and the best author of these 10.
So which would be your vote? 🤔
I was torn between Death Of the Heart and 84 Charing Cross Road. I chose Death Of the Heart. I’ve just got to know what’s in that diary! I have also added 4 more books to my “to read” list, so thank you for introducing some new books to me.
How to choose from such a list?? But, since I must decide; then Death of the Heart. I’m excited for your book review no matter which book won the vote. ❤
Isabelle is very good, gave me a feeling like Rebecca and has an unexpected ending. My vote goes to Howard's End since i have it. I would love to read it along with you if you pick it, Great video as usual.
Tristan I was very surprised at the similarities between "Plowman" and the much older book The Romance of the Rose written in 1225 by Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. If you have the time it is VERY worthwhile. I found it The Romance of the Rose absolutely wonderful (this is NOT to be confused with Umberto Ecco who wrote the famous one with Rose in the title). It is interesting how much the plot of the 1225 book mirrors Plowman!!!
I first was introduced to Elizabeth Bowen in a book about writing by Eudora Welty . I read many of her books and liked them but found she was rather unknown . An almost contemporary of Virginia Woolf , she wrote of the period in the 30s between the wars , one of my favorite periods . An 81 year old grandmother , former English major , I love thoughtful insightful books , like the ones you mention . I vote for the Death of the Heart .
Great video as always, Tristan!
I have tried to read Adam Bede a couple times now. I get so bogged down in the dialect during the first part of the book (not sure if it continues throughout) that I just have set it aside. I'm new to your channel, does this mean you would read it out loud to us? If so, I don't recommend this one unless you enjoy a challenge!
I read Siddhartha, Demian and Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (college in the sixties). Having read Siddhartha won me some cred with my Bio-Conservation professor, because I was the only one in class that had read Siddhartha and knew about the river. I took Flaubert's Sentimental Education to read during a trip to Norway and left it for a Norwegian friend to read. Books like everything else are so expensive in Norway. She was glad I finished it. I do not think it was Flaubert's best book, but I enjoyed it. The House of Mirth is terrific, but a deceptive title, it gets my vote.
Based on 1st paragraphs, both "House of Mirth" and "84 Charing Cross Road" sound the most intriguing. No matter what you end up choosing, I think I'll head over to the library today and pick them up!
Hi Tristan! My vote is for Siddartha. Thx for your videos 👏🏻👍🏻
I love 84 Charing Cross Road!
Howard's End is my vote. I greatly enjoyed it when I read it a couple of years ago. I used to pop into 84 Charing Cross Road when it used to be a classical CD shop back in the day. Never read the book, though, and it does sound intriguing so will seek it out.
Adam Bede I have never read or House of Mirth I have read. I would love to hear you talk about one or the other. Thank you!
They all sound great and I've read several of them years ago. My first choice would be Siddharta then Sentimental Education.
House of Mirth, but The Death of the Heart sounds very intriguing to me
I've noted your votes. 😀👍
I vote for The House of Mirth as it's one of the very few books where I actually sobbed reading. But I'm actually quite intrigued now by Piers Plowman :DDD
I would be very interested in a review of Siddhartha. I recently enjoyed a second reading of this book.
Perfect! Thanks for voting. 😃
Perfect! Thanks for voting 😃
I adore Adam Bede. Madame Bovary is one of my favorite classics and yet I never read anything else by Flaubert. I must remedy that. I cannot get into Edit Wharton. I have tried a few times and none of her books pulled me in. I read Siddhartha about 20 years ago and remember loving it but don't remember anything about it. Howard's End is a book I've always wanted to read but for some reason never pick up. I was underwhelmed by 84 Charing Cross Road. I know this is an unpopular opinion because so many people love it, but it was meh for me.
My vote for you would be Adam Bede :)
If you do combine your book channels , I think a nice addition would be to give readers your thoughts on which of the more modern books have the potential to be future classics. I would appreciate that and I think others would also. Thank you.
My late former wife had mentioned Siddhartha repeatedly repeatedly, but I have never read it. I guess it’s about time I did.
Siddhartha. You sound ready to read the others on your own, already. Death of the Heart sounds like something I should check out.
I've read only 2 of the books on the list: House of Mirth and Howard's End, both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I'm voting for The Death of the Heart - the writing sounds superb!
I’ve read the first seven, and of those, I’d be most likely to reread The House of Mirth (my vote), L’education sentimental, and Howard’s End. Can’t go wrong with any of those, but Mirth hit me the hardest. Of those I’ve not read, I;d choose Piers Plowman.
Ooo! Just finished 'Adam Bede'- George Eliot. Exceptional writing! 😊
Hello Tristan,
So many wonderful choices. I narrowed it down between E.M Forster, Edith Wharton and Elizabeth Bowen. Iam choosing the latter, Elizabeth Bowen's 'The Death of the Heart' purely on your reading of the opening paragraph. I wanted to rush out and buy a copy to read although at the same time I felt it would be painful and sad. I just want to know the story and how it ends.
I vote for The House of Mirth. I believe it is her masterpiece, and it's one of my all-time favoirte books. The sentence "My Genius would appear to be my ability to do the wrong thing at the right time" haunts me. I've also read and loved Sentimental Education (in French, my native language :) )
My vote: Howard's End
And a challenge for you, to be the first and only person on UA-cam to review Group Portrait with Lady by Heinrich Böll.
The Flaubert, please.
Second choice: La symphonie pastorale / Isabelle
I have been reading through Elizabeth Bowen's work but haven't yet read The Dry Heart. I would love to hear your opinion of this author. So that's my vote -The Dry Heart