LOOKING FOR SOME BEAUTIFUL BOOK PLACES IN PARIS? SEARCH NO FURTHER:
The following books are some that have drawn me deeper into the world of the classics. If you put much stock in surveys, then you should probably devote a lot of time and energy to losing yourself in War and Peace or Ulysses – neither of which was quite my cup of tea. I like books that take their time telling a story when necessary, but which are otherwise more plot-driven or have a faster pace. It has to trigger something in me – be it a ‘wow’ moment because of the language, a clever twist or brilliant character development. For a long time, I didn’t enjoy reading the classics, perhaps because I found it hard to get into some of my initial choices. But during my time at university, I began to develop a passion for them, and I’ve found a few that I actually enjoy and from which I’m learning a lot – and I hope you’ll find inspiration in them too:
Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
Probably my favourite classic ever. There is something about this book, that just makes you want to crawl into it. Maybe it’s the gothic setting, the mix of fantasy and realism during a literary period where people didn’t do something this extravagant. The main character Dorian makes you want to scream when it comes to his erratic behaviour and actions but at the same time, you are absolutely invested in him surviving the entire ordeal. And the language, my god, if somebody asks me what good language is, go pick up this book!
Hills Like White Elephants – Ernest Hemingway
A thought-provoking short story. I came across it whilst studying English literature and wasn’t exactly blown away the first time I read it, but I definitely became a fan after rereading every sentence. The story conveys an incredible amount in an incredibly concise form, and with every re-reading I’ve discovered new aspects of the plot and the characters. What made this story so special to me was the simple, unadorned language, which achieved a depth I hadn’t expected. It turned me into a Hemingway reader, and since then I’ve read most of his works.
Around the world in 80 days – Jules Verne
An absolute classic that I first bought as an audiobook when I was a child. As an adult, I picked it up again, and it’s still just as good as it was back then. Easy to follow, fast-paced, a brilliant concept in terms of the plot and the journey, very readable in any language, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat. I also really liked the century in which the story is set and the theme of travelling round the world against the clock.
The Lottery – Shirley Jackson
This made me question everything I ever read. It’s horrific and incredible and left me stunned. I hated it as much as I respected what the writer did there and to this day I can’t get it out of my head (it’s been over 15 years since I read it for the first time). Truly a masterpiece without the ending you expected and one of the things, I’d urge more people to read. I can’t say much else, the themes are still relevant to this day and the writing style hasn’t aged a bit.
The Great Gatsby – F.Scott Fitzgerald
I’m sure opinions on this will be divided. Some say the style is dull and that nothing much happens for a long time. Others consider it one of the finest works ever written. I think it’s one of the best works that embodies the Roaring Twenties and the spirit of the rich and the poor, and the characters are incredibly believable yet frustrating (which ultimately makes them very human). If you’ve only seen the film, you’re missing out on some wonderful descriptions and characterisations that might stay with you for quite some time.
Huckleberry Finn & Tom Sawyer – Mark Twain
I’ve loved these two books and have read them time and again throughout my life. They take me back to my childhood without making me feel too nostalgic. I love the humour in these books and I loved reading about teenagers growing up. Huck’s journey down the Mississippi sparked a desire to travel in me and made me think about the difference between ‘lonely’ and ‘alone’. Even though books like this wouldn’t be written in this style today, you can still understand the era, the language and the characters.
The Phantom of the Opera – Guy Larroux
It may not be one of those classics you have to read over and over again, but it’s still extraordinary. I think the theatre setting is brilliant and well executed by the author, as it allows him to focus entirely on a single location (and how many books are actually set entirely in one place?). In my opinion, the coolest thing about this story is the shifting perspectives, as you switch to the Phantom’s own point of view and constantly find yourself wondering whether it’s real or not. It’s just something… different. It’s definitely worth reading the book, or at least giving it a go.
These are only round one, I have a lot more that I acutally love and think are worth reading. But what are your thoughts? Did you like the ones I mentioned above? Are there any classics that you still think about? I’m leaving you with Dorian’s words today:
I should like to write a novel certainly, a novel that would be as lovely as a Persian carpet and as unreal.
Trackbacks and Pingbacks