Top Ten Classics I Intend to Read... Eventually

I have taken this post idea from Carrie at Reading To Know, who in turn got the idea from Bluerose's Heart. Each one of our lists differ, so when you're done checking mine out be sure to click the above links and see what ten classics made these ladies' lists.

On Reading Classics
Over the last decade I have read quite a few classics and I know that is all due to the ladies in my book club. They are the ones that encourage and challenge me to read the classics, both modern and ancient.

When it comes to classics I am reminded of a quote by C. S. Lewis:

"It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. If that is too much for you, you should at least read one old one to every three new ones."

Of course I'm not always very good at following this reading-rule-of-thumb, but I do try to keep it in mind and broaden my reading to include old as well as new, non-fiction as well as fiction, and the challenging read as well as the light and easy. My "Top Ten Classics" list includes some very old reads as well as a couple more recent "classics." It includes some challenging reads and some less challenging, but somehow they are all books I've known I should read and intend to read... eventually.

My Top 10 List (in no particular order):

1. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

 I've enjoyed Jane Eyre, but the depressing story of Heathcliff and Catherine is one I just haven't rushed to read... Yet so many people love this book and insist I must read it... One day I will.

2. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

I started reading The Grapes of Wrath in high school. I enjoyed Steinbeck's descriptive writing, but was turned off by a particular character in the story. Even so, everyone says this is a must read classic and so I know I really should get to it sooner than later. I managed to read East of Eden, so how much worse could this one be?

3. The Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous

 Ever since the early 90s when I first saw the Disney adaptation of Aladdin I have wanted to read this book. I think it could be a very interesting read.

 

4. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

I cannot believe I have not read this novel. I mean, I love a good mystery and who could be better than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle!?

 5. Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace 

I've never really thought about reading Ben-Hur, but if Anne Shirley enjoyed it so much she couldn't put it down for Geometry I think it must be worth the time.

6. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens 

Another read I started in high school, but never finished. If it weren't for my book club I doubt I would have ever finished a Dickens because of my experience in high school... But since then I have read and loved no less than three Dickens novels. I will one day return and finish this story.

 7. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift

This story has always struck me as weird, but I've heard by a good friend that it is definitely a worthwhile read. I hope one day to see for myself why she likes it so much.

8. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

This is one novel that I know I must read. I know it will be a challenge, but I think I'll be glad I read it when I'm done.

9. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Saw the movie, loved it. Know I will probably love the book even more. Sadly can't say I've ever read any Dumas. Really to be a well-read reader I should read at least one and this one interests me the most.

10. Silas Marner by George Elliot

Read and loved Middlemarch years ago. I have since heard that Silas Marner is also an very good read. I've put off George Elliot for a while because she's not exactly a breeze, but perhaps in 2012 I'll get this one off my TBR list and onto my review shelf.

So that's my top ten list. Have you read any of these? Any thoughts of encouragement or discouragement about reading them in the next year or two? Are any of these books on your list? Leave me a comment and let me know, or better yet, leave a link so I can check out your own "Top Ten Classics I Intend to Read" list.

Happy reading!

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

510 pages
Published in 1868

"Do you feel an uncomfortable heat at the pit of your stomach, sir? and a nasty thumping at the top of your head? AH! not yet? It will lay hold of you at Cobb's Hole, Mr. Franklin. I call it the detective-fever; and I first caught it in the company of Sergeant Cuff." (Part 2, Chpt 3, pg 325)

I love a good mystery and The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins is probably one of the most famous of what might be classified as the classic-mystery. Published in mid-19th century, The Moonstone is one of the earliest novels that depicts a police detective working to solve a crime. (Yes, it predates even the world-renowned Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.) In fact, this novel has led many readers to call Wilkie Collins the father of the modern detective story. Although there is some dispute amongst Edgar Allen Poe fans.

The Plot:
"Rachel Verinder, a young Englishwoman, inherits a large Indian diamond on her eighteenth birthday. It is a legacy from her uncle, a corrupt English army officer who served in India. The diamond is of great religious significance as well as being extremely valuable, and three Hindu priests have dedicated their lives to recovering it.... Rachel's eighteenth birthday is celebrated with a large party, whose guests include her cousin Franklin Blake. She wears the Moonstone on her dress that evening for all to see, including some Indian jugglers who have called at the house. Later that night, the diamond is stolen from Rachel's bedroom, and a period of turmoil, unhappiness, misunderstandings and ill-luck ensues. Told by a series of narratives from some of the main characters, the complex plot traces the subsequent efforts to explain the theft, identify the thief, trace the stone and recover it." (Summary courtesy of Wikipedia.)

My Thoughts:
I was thrilled to finally get the chance to read The Moonstone. Years ago my book club read The Woman In White, an earlier novel by Collins, and I really enjoyed it, so when it was suggested as our next book during one of our meetings last fall I had nothing but the highest expectations. I am happy to report I was not disappointed. The Moonstone is a clever and witty tale of human interest, sensational thrill, romance, and social criticism. It keeps the reader (myself included) turning page after page to the very end.

And it was no different 143 years ago when the story first appeared in English newspapers. Although it is now available in complete form, when Collins wrote the story it was published in serial form from January to August of 1868. It is said that readers lined the streets awaiting the final installments and that bets were even made as to the outcome of the story plot. (Remind you of how people are today awaiting the latest installment in a popular fiction series or television show? I suppose some things never change.)

Some critics have called The Moonstone a "sensationalist" and "moralistic" novel because of the extreme elements contained within and the somewhat obvious plot. But I do not consider this a reason to avoid reading it. Yes, I did suspect certain turn of events and perhaps some of the story was obvious, but overall it was the journey, the how and why that was exciting for me to read. Yes, the bad end badly and the good end well, but there is more to the story than that. Collins used this riveting tale to shed light and draw attention to some serious issues of his time. Even now, nearly a century and a half later readers will read and give pause to think about issues they might not otherwise have stopped to consider outside a history textbook.

The Moonstone goes down as one of my all-time favorite classics. And in my opinion, if you have the opportunity to read just one classic this year you might do a lot worse than to read The Moonstone.

----------------
Related Links:

Tuesday Teaser: The Moonstone
A House to Let by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Wilkie Collins (reviewed)

Project Gutenberg: The Moonstone (E-Book)
Librivox: The Moonstone (Audio Book)
Wilkie Collins - Information Page
Wilike Collins: The Moonstone - Information Page

Is It Time For Another Jane Eyre?

Can there be too much of a good thing when it comes to literature on the big screen? I guess we're going to find out.

I learned earlier this week that there is to be yet ANOTHER Jane Eyre adaptation. It seems like we just had one of these, so I checked and there was one in 2006. This will make the 9th adaptation! (The third in 15 years.)

It amazes me how many times certain novels can be adapted to the screen and sometimes in nearly back to back years and others remain with only a single filming. For example, Gone With the Wind was filmed in 1939, but over 70 years later it remains the only adaptation of that novel. Yes, there have been wanna-be sequels, but no remake of the original script has been filmed. Why is that? Is it because that adaptation was so great it just cannot be topped?

If that is the case what does that say about the classics by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters that have been filmed time and time again? Pride and Prejudice has been adapted five times, Emma five times, Oliver Twist seven times, Wuthering Heights no less than 11 times and now Jane Eyre for the 9th time!

What is it with these stories that make screenwriters, directors, and producers want to film them again and again? Is there still something left to be brought to the screen? I guess we'll have to wait until March 2011 to see for ourselves.

I will say this much, from the movie trailer it looks like it will be a good adaptation. It is produced by the same company (Focus Features) that adapted Pride and Prejudice in 2005. Although that version of P&P is not a favorite of mine it was a fairly good adaptation. So with that in mind I am both curious and interested in their adaptation of Jane Eyre.

Curious to learn more? Check out One Literature Nut's blog post: The Bronte Sisters Take Popular Culture By Storm... Again.

Tuesday Teaser: The Moonstone

"If the sea, then oozing in smoothly over the Shivering Sand, had been changed into dry land before my own eyes, I doubt if I could have been more surprised than I was when Mr. Franklin spoke those words." (The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Part 1, Chpt 5, page 44)

The Classic Hundred Poems: All Time Favorites Edited by William Harmon

360 pages
Published in 1990, reprinted in 1998
by Columbia University Press

I FINALLY had a chance to pull together my thoughts about The Classic Hundred Poems: All Time Favorites edited by William Harmon which I read this past summer for my book club. I am very excited to report that my write-up has been posted over at 5 Minutes for Books!!!


So after you check out my write-up please be sure to stop back here to read a few interesting "Did you know" facts about some of the poems and poets contained within this collection.

----------
DID YOU KNOW:

- The song Auld Lang Syne most famous as a New Years Eve song is actually based on a poem by 18th century Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns was also famous for his poem: A Red, Red Rose.

- Poet Percy B. Shelley was the husband of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. Mary penned this famous novel while on vacation with her husband and several literary friends. Apparently one evening Percy, Mary and their friends challenged each other to see who could write the scariest story. Mary won hands down. So who were some of the others present? One of them was Percy's friend and fellow poet, Lord Byron. Talk about a collection of literary giants!

- Most fans of the novel Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery are already familiar with how The Lady of Shallot by Lord Alfred Tennyson was one of Anne Shirley's favorite poems. But that wasn't the only poem or poet that Montgomery references within the Anne books. Readers should also take a look at Robert Louis Stevenson's poems as several are woven through the Anne books.

Want to know more about how poetry has influenced literature and culture? Check out The Classic Hundred Poems.

Autumn Poetry: Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare

That time of year thou mayst in me behold

When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see’st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west;
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire,
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the deathbed whereon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,

To love that well which thou must leave ere long.

Tuesday Teaser: The Moonstone

"I wonder whether the gentlemen who makes a business and a living out of writing books, ever find their own selves getting in the way of their subjects, like me?"

~ Gabriel Betteredge in The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins, Chapter 2, page 27

On Reading Classics

Over the years I have noticed that there tend to be two camps of readers. Those who enjoy books deemed "classics" and those who don't. This post is addressed to the latter.

It's usually pretty obvious which camp a reader falls into, but if you're uncertain you might use these factors to help you determine. When you're holding a book in your hand that has been listed as a classic do you have feelings of fear and trepidation? Do you stifle a yawn and have flickering memories of falling asleep in English class? If you answer yes to either question then it's very likely you fall in to the camp of those who don't enjoy classics. But it doesn't have to be this way.

Over the years I have had an interesting relationship with classics. I've always had a fear of the "ancient classics" (i.e. Odyssey, Iliad, etc.) something I hope to one day overcome. As a teenager I learned to enjoy William Shakespeare, but was bored to tears by Charles Dickens. But as an adult I have found my reading tastes very broad and acclectic. I now enjoy everything from the occasional light and fluffy chic-lit to the tome like classic published over 200 years ago. So how did I reach this point? First, I began by selecting a more popular classic (i.e. one of Jane Austen's novels) and I started reading and persisted until the end. It often helped to watch a film adaptation of the book either before or after reading the book. Soon I discovered that the more I read the more I was starting to enjoy these types of books. Another thing that helped was my being involved in a book club dedicated to the classics. The ladies in this club have helped challenge and expand my reading tastes. They were the ones who helped me over the hurdle of disliking Dickens to adding some of his novels to my list of "all-time favorite reads".

So how does one overcome the feeling of fear or boredom? Here are some suggestions:

1. Start off with a classic that is well-known or been adapted to the screen (i.e. Jane Austen is a good place to begin). Or you might consider a classic that is more recent. (Contrary to some belief the term "classic" doesn't just mean books written pre-1800. The term has been expanded to include novels published as late as the early 20th century, i.e. Gone With the Wind, The Invisible Man, To Kill Mockingbird, etc.) Another good idea is to ask other readers what their favorite classics are.

2. Join a book club or find some readers who are likewise interested in reading classics. The more the merrier. When you have someone to discuss a book with you are more likely to enjoy it. If you don't have access to a book club or fellow reader who focus on classics then at the very least check out 5 Minutes for Books Classics Club. It's a carnival held each quarter on the 5th Tuesday of the month. Today is the third quarter posting and a great place to hear what other bloggers have to say about recent classics they've read.

3. Take notes. Jot down quotes you like or questions you have. If you come upon a word you don't know or a phrase you don't understand either stop and look it up or write it down to look up the next chance you get.

4. As I mentioned above film adaptations can be helpful. Although they aren't always faithful to the book they do give the reader a chance to see the entire story put together. When I was 15 I tried to read Pride and Prejudice but really struggled. After watching the A&E adaptation I was able to put together the settings with the people with the plot and the dialogue and it all started to make sense. When I went back and started reading the novel it made sense and turned out to be a life-long favorite of mine.

5. Don't give up. Just because you pick up a classic and don't enjoy it, don't give up on the idea of reading classics. Some authors are harder to read than others. Some stories deemed classics ARE boring. If you aren't engaged within the first 50-100 pages put the book down and try something else. There's nothing more likely to kill a readers interest in a classic than to push through 800 pages of a book they just don't like.

Once you've read your classic head back over to 5 Minutes for Books and link up your review. The next Classics carnival will be held Thursday, November 29, 2010.

In closing I want to quote Canadian author Robert Davies who once said:

"Do not suppose, however, that I intend to urge a diet of classics on anybody. I have seen such diets at work. I have known people who have actually read all, or almost all, the guaranteed Hundred Best Books. God save us from reading nothing but the best."

Like Davies, I don't urge you to read ONLY classics. Like anything in life too much of a good thing can be bad. Instead I encourage you to broaden your reading diet. Mix it up. Don't give up on the lighter works, but don't read only fluff. Add in some non-fiction and biographies, a book of poetry, and a handful of classics. But whatever you read -- read because you know it's enjoyable and because you'll be a better person for it.

Happy Reading!

Poetry: The Pulley by George Herbert

When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
'Let us,' said He, 'pour on him all we can:
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.'

So strength first made a way;
Then Beauty flowed, then Wisdom, Honor, Pleasure:
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all His treasure
Rest in the bottom lay.

'For if I should,' said He,
'Bestow this jewel also on My creature,
He would adore My gifts instead of Me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;
So both should losers be.

'Yet let him keep the rest,
But keep them with repining restlessness:
Let him be rich and weary, that at least,
If goodness lead him not, yet weariness
May toss him to My breast.'

(The Pulley by George Herbert, 1630, published 1633)

The Way We Live Now by Anthony Trollope

802 pages
Published in serial form 1874-1875
Reprinted Barnes & Noble Classics, 2005
New York, NY

I can't help but find it a little ironic that a few weeks after I first discovered Angela Thirkell and her Barsetshire novels my book club settled upon reading an Anthony Trollope novel. For those who don't know/remember, Anthony Trollope wrote a series of six books set in the fictional county of Barsetshire, which some 80 years later Angela Thirkell used as inspiration for 29 of her own novels set in that same fictional county. (While Trollope's novels were about the people of Barsetshire in the mid 19th century, Thirkell's were her own creation of the people of Barsetshire in the early and mid 20th century.)

The book selected by my book club was not one of Trollope's Chronicles of Barsetshire, but one of Trollope's longer stories, The Way We Live Now, which although not popular upon first publication has in recent years come to be considered Trollope's best work.

The Plot:
"Ruthless greed, relentless self-promotion, corporate swindles and scandals on a grand scale -- indeed it sounds like 'the way we live now.' Though Anthony Trollope's title actually refers to 1870s England, his scathing satire of a money-mad culture cuts close to the contemporary bone. At its center stands Augustus Melmotte, a crooked financier whose enormous schemes ensnare an array of avaricious aristocrats, politicians and 'important people.' Among them are Lady Carbury, who earns the family bread by churning out fatuous potboilers, and her spendthrift, ne''er-do-well son, Felix, who sets his sights on Melmotte's dangerously beautiful daughter, Marie. meanwhile Felix's sister, Hetta, falls for Melmotte's partner, Paul, who's encumbered wiht an American fiancee, herself a widow who may have shot her husband. As the frauds expand and the romantic entanglements grow ever more complex, Trollope revels in the antics of his characters while pillorying the corruption of their morally bankrupt society." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. The story plot is thick (so much happens within the story over the course of six months) and the characters richly colorful and quirky.

Some readers might liken Trollope to Dickens, but I think in some ways Trollope is actually better than Dickens. The Way We Live Now is a long book, almost as long as Dickens' Bleak House or Little Dorrit, yet not once did I feel the story lagged or that Trollope was rambling as I admit I have felt from time to time with Dickens. Another aspect that I liked about Trollope's writing is that his characters seemed a little less stereotypical. On the downside I can't say that I loved any of the characters in The Way We Live Now. I liked some of the characters and I completely despised some of the others within The Way We Live Now, but none tugged at my heartstrings as in books like Bleak House.

One similarity between Dickens and Trollope is the ending. Both Dickens and Trollope ended their novels with a "happy ending" -- although in the case of The Way We Live Now that doesn't mean every character lives happily-ever-after or has all their problems solved, but it does mean that the reader finishes the book satisfied.

The Way We Live Now is a satire, which means Trollope was writing tongue-in-cheek as he criticized and commented on various aspects of life in England during the latter decades of the 19th century. His writing is filled with interesting and thought provoking snapshots and at the same time is witty and entertaining. Although a long read (with 100 chapters) The Way We Live Now is not a difficult read. I particularly enjoyed the vivid imagery that Trollope's words painted and jotted down many passages in my Book of Books.

Some might be discouraged by the length of The Way We Live Now, as I mentioned it runs to 100 chapters and depending on the publication can average around 800 pages. It took me 25 days to finish, but it was definitely a worthwhile read and one I highly recommend to any reader. I bounced back and forth between reading the actual book and listening to the complete book read aloud with the free LibroVox iPhone application. Having finished and thoroughly enjoyed The Way We Live Now I am definitely planning to explore more of Trollope's works in the future. As for The Way We Live Now, this is one book I'd advise you to buy rather than borrow.

On a related note, PBS Masterpiece Theater produced a mini-series adaptation of The Way We Live Now in 2001 starring David Suchet (Hercule Poirot) and Matthew Macfadyen (Pride and Prejudice). I watched this series in 2007 at a time when, sadly, I'd never heard of Anthony Trollope. The movie is fairly true to the book. Some aspects of the story did not transfer to the screen, others did not transfer very well, which means you don't get the full depth of this story by watching the movie alone. But I do believe watching the adaptation does help a reader gain a better understanding of the story as a whole and also helps keep who's who amongst the characters clear within the reader's mind while they read.

I will add that the movie ending and the book ending are different, but only slightly so and both still end happily. The only objection I had to the movie was the addition of some bedroom-type scenes, though not obscene were enough to leave the viewer without doubt as to the intimacy of the character's relationships. Upon further reflection I believe this interpretation is typical of society's views within the 21st century, but not what Trollope intended in his book. It just doesn't work with the social views of the 19th century. Yes, affairs occurred, but not for characters of these types. Still I enjoyed the miniseries and recommend it to anyone who has read the book or requires some assistance in understanding the story before setting out to read the novel.

-----------------
Related Links:
* Anthony Trollope Society
* Anthony Trollope.Com
* Anthony Trollope USA
* PBS: Masterpiece Classics: The Way We Live Now
* E-book: The Way We Live Now (Project Gutenberg)
* Audio-Book: LibroVox: The Way We Live Now

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

275 pages
Published 1939 by G. P. Putnam's Sons
Reprinted 2001 by Penguin Putnam Inc.
St Martin's Paperbacks

And Then There Were None (also published as Ten Little Indians) is probably one of the most recognizable of Agatha Christie's mystery novels amongst readers. It has been called the best selling mystery novel of all times and is currently the 1oth best selling book of all times with 100 million copies (and counting) sold worldwide. It has been adapted into movies and plays and converted into video games. It is even said to have inspired the 2009 TV show Harper's Island.

And yet, I actually dreaded the moment when I would read this book. It is, in my opinion, the scariest and thus perhaps the best of all Agatha Christie's crime and mystery novels. But then, maybe I am prejudiced.

My first encounter with And Then There Were None was when I was a child of ten or eleven and I watched the 1945 film adaptation starring Barry Fitzgerald and Judith Anderson (to name just two of the many famliar faces you'll see). It was not a horror story. It was a B&W murder mystery film with a happier ending than the novel it was based on and yet I remember it being very scary. So scary that I had nightmares any time I watched it, which normally would mean I wouldn't watch the movie.... Yet I had this bizarre love-hate relationship with the story. I loved aspects of the movie and would watch it periodically over the years, but every time I did (even if I watched it in the middle of the day) the very next time I went to sleep I would be bothered with bad dreams.

So you can imagine why I had butterflies when I picked up a copy of this book from the library. Would reading it give me nightmares? I already knew the ending and that it would be worse than the 1945 movie so maybe reading the story wouldn't impact me in the same way watching the movie had? One thing was for certain, I needed to read And Then There Were None if I were to truly complete my personal Agatha Christie challenge (read all of her mystery novels by order of publication). And so, I was determined to slay this dragon once and for all.

The Plot:
"Ten people, each with something to hide and something to fear, are invited to a lonely mansion on Indian Island by a host who, surprisingly, fails to appear. On the island they are cut off from everything but each other and the inescapable shadows of their own past lives. One by one, the guests share the darkest secrets of their wicked pasts. And one by one, they start to die..." (Summary courtesy of AgathaChristie.com)

My Thoughts:
To answer your question, yes, I did have a very bad dream the night after I started reading the book. Mercifully it only took me 24 hours to finish this quick read so I only suffered loss of sleep for that one night. Looking back I still believe And Then There Were None is the deadliest, darkest, most intense read of Agatha Christie's mysteries. It is a thriller. It is a puzzling mystery. It is a very intruiging study of human psyche and the depraved and decieved mind (and heart). And it is also a commentary of sorts society's views on crime and punishment. And Then There Were None is excellently well written, the characters are colorful and the plot is well crafted. I'd like to think the mystery would have puzzled me to the end had I not already known the answer.

I asked a friend who had watched Harper's Island if he'd be interested in reading And Then There Were None. I wanted to know what it would be like for someone to read the book with fresh eyes. Would they be able to solve the mystery before the end? My friend had his suspicions, but in the end he admitted that he was left guessing until the last few pages when the mystery is revealed to the reader. Yet again proof that this is Agatha Christie at her best.

So it should follow that this is my favorite Christie novel of all times, right? Not so. Even though it has all the elements that make for a thrilling read and puzzling mystery I didn't like it because of it's lack of happy ending. There is no Hercule Poirot or Jane Marple to save the day. This was the best mystery I've read in a long time and worthy to be on any mystery lover's reading list. But at the same time I have no desire to read it again. Once was enough. I have slayed this dragon and I plan to let it lie.

Up next: Sad Cypress.

---------------------
Other Agatha Christie Reviews:
*Novels published from 1920-1923 see note below.

The Man in the Brown Suit (1924)
The Secret of Chimneys (1925)
The Big Four (1927)
The Mystery of the Blue Train (1928)
The Seven Dials Mystery (1929)
The Murder at the Vicarage (1930)
The Sittaford Mystery (1931)
Peril at End House (1932)
Lord Edgware Dies (1933)
Murder on the Orient Express (1934)
Why Didn't They Ask Evans? (1934)
Three Act Tragedy (1935)
Death in the Clouds (1935)
The A.B.C. Murders (1936)
Murder in Mesopotamia (1936)
Cards on the Table (1936)
Dumb Witness (1937)
Death on the Nile (1937)
Appointment With Death (1938)
Hercule Poirot's Christmas (1938)
Murder Is Easy (1939)
And Then There Were None (1939)

Absent In the Spring by Mary Westmacott (a.k.a. Agatha Christie) (1944)

* Christie's novels written from 1920 (The Mysterious Affair at Styles) through 1923 (Murder on the Links) I read before I began this blog hence no reviews currently

Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

476 pages
Published by The Great Writers Library
1986, a reprint of the 1908 edition by Macmillan and Company Ltd.
St. Martin's Street, London

Two years ago I became acquainted with Thomas Hardy. My introduction was in the form of the BBC adaptation to Under the Greenwood Tree, which after watching the film I then read. The film was fairly well made and I believe it helped me grasp and understand all the details of the novel. At any rate, I finished reading Under the Greenwood Tree (reviewed '08) with a favorable opinion of Hardy's writing and with the thought that I'd like to read more of his works at some point in the future.

So when the suggestion to read Far From the Madding Crowd was made at the April meeting of my book club I was definitely interested. I expected another book just as "happily ever after" as Under the Greenwood Tree. And while I was close in this expectation I have since learned how ignorant I was of Hardy's writing career. Although his books are popular reads in the 21st century and several have made the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list, not all of them end as happily-ever-after as Under the Greenwood Tree or Far From the Madding Crowd. One particular dark and depressing story is Jude the Obscure, which has been satirically renamed Jude the Obscene by literary critics for its scandalous scenes and language.

But thankfully, as I said, Far From the Madding Crowd has a happy ending. It is a beautifully rich story, a true masterpiece.

The Plot:
The story revolves around "Bathsheba Everdene, a farm owner, and her three suitors, Gabriel Oak (a generous shepherd), Sergeant Troy (a young, handsome, and inconsiderate soldier), and William Boldwood (the owner of the neighboring farm). The contrasting relationships between Bathsheba and her suitors are a study of the many faces of love, including honest, heartfelt love and unscrupulous and manipulative adoration." (Summary courtesy of The Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Literature)

My Thoughts:
There was so much that I liked about this book. The story plot was interesting; set in the farm lands of the fictional Wessex County in southern England during the mid 19th century. Most of the story centers around farm life, but at various points the reader has the opportunity to observe town and city life, as well as the recreational aspects of Bath and even a traveling circus. The characters are vast and yet each uniquely cast in their role and personality so that I there was no confusion as to who was whom and little to no chance that various members of the story would be forgotten along the way. The dialogue was at times witty and clever, but in general an easy and interesting read with periods of breathtaking description that makes literature art.

"At eight-o'clock this mid summer evening, whilst the bristling ball of gold in the west still swept the tips of the ferns with its long, luxuriant rays, a soft brushing by of garments might have been heard among them, and Bathsheba appeared in their midst, their soft, feathery arms caressing her up to her shoulders." (Chapter 28, page 212)

Another aspect of the story that I liked so much was the lessons that can be drawn from the characters. The novel explains so well the interaction and development of male/female relationships. It is a story of love and of friendship; of loyalty and of disloyalty; of true faithfulness and of deception; of passion and of weakness.

If you have not yet read anything by Thomas Hardy this is a novel you should read. I obtained my hardcover copy for free thanks to Paperback Swap, but copies are widely available online and in bookstores and libraries.

On the Big Screen:
For those curious, I did watch a movie adaptation of the book once I finished reading. There have been three adaptations to film: 1967 (starring Julie Christie as Bathsheba), 1998 (starring Jonathan Firth as Sergeant Troy and Nathaniel Parker as Gabriel Oak and adapted for British television) and most recently 2009 (filmed by a private British school and directed by Rose Clark). I was only able to find the 1967 version as the other two do not appear available on DVD in the United States. While there were aspects of the 1967 movie version that clearly dated the film it was overall a good adaptation and true to the novel. However, it seems a shame that BBC, A&E, or PBS Masterpiece has not taken the time to bring this wonderful story into a more recent adaptation. Perhaps they'll consider it in the future... One can only hope.


--------------------------
Related Resources:
- Project Gutenberg Online Text: Far From the Madding Crowd (E-Book)
- Free Kindle Edition: Far From The Madding Crowd (accessible with Kindle, Blackberry, iPhone, PC)
- Book Rags Study Notes: Far From the Madding Crowd
- Spark Notes: Far From the Madding Crowd
- LitQuotes: Far From the Madding Crowd (To give you a sample of Hardy's writing)

Emma by Jane Austen

512 pages
Reprinted by Penguin Classics, New York, NY in 2003
Originally published by John Murray in December 1815

It seems fitting that after having recently reviewed an Austen-themed chic-lit novel I now review what is claimed to be the best of Jane Austen's novels: Emma.

A Little Background:
Oddly enough I didn't discover Jane Austen until I was 16. I remember trying to read Pride and Prejudice but having difficulty grasping the story -- there was so much happening and the 19th century dialogue was nothing like the novels I'd read during most of my high school years. And then I discovered the 5 hour A&E film adaptation and immediately fell in love with the story. After watching the movie I picked up the book again and was successful in finishing it. And so began my journey with one of literature's most beloved authors.

Since that time I have listened to audio versions and watched numerous film adaptations of all of Austen's works, but until this year I'd never actually read Emma...

It seems unlikely that there are readers out there who do not already know something of the novel Emma, but just in case here is a short summary without spoilers:

The Plot:
"Beautiful, clever, rich - and single - Emma Woodhouse is perfectly content with her life and sees no need for either love or marriage. Nothing however, delights her more than interfering in the romantic lives of others. But when she ignores the warnings of her good friend Mr. Knightley and attempts to arrange a suitable match for her protegee Harriet Smith, her carefully laid plans soon unravel and have consequences that she never expected. With its imperfect but charming heroine and its witty and subtle exploration of relationships, Emma is often seen as Jane Austen's most flawless work." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I'm not exactly sure why I waited nearly 15 years to read this novel, perhaps it has something to do with the fact I just didn't like this heroine as well as the others. I find that Emma is for most of the story too snobbish and scheming for my taste when compared side-by-side with the sparkle and wit of Elizabeth, or the sweet and faithful Anne, or the steadfast and sensible Eleanor. And yet, Emma is definitely a worthwhile read. A classics must.

Emma is unique amongst Austen's novels in the fact that unlike all the other heroines, Emma is rich and beautiful and not troubled by her family about finding a wealthy and suitable husband. There are no silly sisters and no dramatic elopements. It is a completely different setting and a very interesting study of character.

I began reading Emma around the same time that Masterpiece Classic on PBS released their 2009 adaptation of the story (Jan-Feb 2010). I found this adaptation very well made. The actors were good (for the most part), the costumes and sets beautiful, and the script was nearly word for word from the book. If I had to make a complaint with the film it would be with the actress who played Emma. Certain mannerisms and aspects of her acting annoyed me. I found myself irritated with Emma for half to two thirds of the film.

Interestingly enough I found myself equally irritated and annoyed with Emma in the book for the same length of time, so perhaps it wasn't so much the actress as it was the character? At any rate by the last third to half of the story Emma begins to improve. Slowly like a flower blooming her character grows, matures, and by the end I found my regard for Emma had likewise grown until she had redeemed herself and I found myself happy with the story's end. Emma is a classic example of a coming-of-age story.

If you have never read Jane Austen, Emma may not be the story to begin with. It is Austen's longest work at over 500 pages and the story plot takes a little longer to unfold than some of her other novels. If asked I think I'd suggest a newcomer to Jane Austen read Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Emma, Northanger Abbey, and Mansfield Park in that order. Of course it definitely helps the reader who struggles with 19th century writing style to watch a film adaptation or listen to an audio version first. For those unwilling to purchase a copy of any of these books they are readily available at any public library and are also available online in various forms. Kindle even offers a free copy of Emma through Amazon that can be downloaded to Kindle devices, Kindle for PC, Kindle for iPhones, and Kindle for Blackberry.

Here are a few other links you might find interesting:

Online Resources:
Austen.com/Emma
Cliff Notes: Emma
Reading Group Guide to Emma
Project Gutenberg: Emma (audio/online text)
Kindle: Emma ($0.00)

Films:
Masterpiece (PBS) 2009 adaptation: Emma
1996 film adaptation (Gwyneth Paltrow): Emma
1996 BBC TV adaptation (Kate Beckinsale): Emma

Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery

225 pages
Published 1919, reprinted 1998
by Bantom Books
Harper & Row Publishers, Inc.
New York, NY

At long last I had time to sit down and not only begin reading Rainbow Valley, but time to finish it! Rainbow Valley is the seventh book in the Anne of Green Gables series by L. M. Montgomery, but it isn't really a book about Anne, it's more of a book about her children... and yet it's not entirely about them either.

The Plot:
Anne Shirley is grown up, has married her beloved Gilbert, and is the mother of six mischievous children. These boys and girls discover a special place all their own, but they never dream of what will happen when a strange family moves into an old mansion nearby. The Meredith clan is two boys and two girls--and a runaway named Mary Vance. Soon the Merediths join Anne's children in their private hideout, intent on carrying out their plans to save Mary from the orphanage, to help the lonely minister find happiness, and to keep a pet rooster from the soup pot. There's always an adventure brewing in the sun-dappled world of Rainbow Valley. (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
I had mixed thoughts going into this book. On the one-hand I was sad to know this story wasn't really about Anne. Although she is present throughout the book and is definitely a part of the story, Rainbow Valley isn't her story and because of this I did find myself missing Anne. I also truly missed Gilbert. For the first time in the series Gilbert only has one line! And although he is mentioned throughout the book he only makes two or three appearances in the story. Alas!

I guess because of this it almost felt to me as if Rainbow Valley was more of a companion story to the Anne of Green Gables series, like the three Deep Valley books are to the Betsy-Tacy series. (The only difference here of course is that Rainbow Valley is one of the Anne books.)

Nevertheless, once I got over this snag I truly enjoyed Rainbow Valley. The adventures of the Blythe and Meredith children are hilariously entertaining. And like all Montgomery stories, this book had it's sweet and it's sad moments. Of course, what Montgomery novel would be complete without a little romance? Rainbow Valley contained two -- one of lost love that gets a second chance and one of unexpected love, both added greatly to the richness of the story. And in the end I found the book to be a sweet, charming and completely delightful read. Not at all boring, which I must admit I was secretly worried it might be.

Another interesting feeling I had while reading Rainbow Valley was the feeling of familiarity. Although this was my first time reading this particular book so much of the story telling felt familiar, as if Montgomery took some of her best character personalities in all their quirkiness, some of the familiar phrases and humor and gave them a fresh twist. Not to say that the story feels recycled, because it doesn't. Just comfortably familiar and I think a pleasant read for any fan of Montgomery's writing.

For those who have read the Anne of Green Gables series and have never given this book a read, you are missing out. Don't focus on the fact that Anne is no longer at the center of the story, enjoy the story for all the other wonderful characters and adventures that are to be found within.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Rainbow Valley a 4.5. I really enjoyed it and am sorry I put off reading it for so long. I am glad to own a copy for my own personal library and highly encourage you to check out a copy at your library or find one at your local book store. This Lucy Maud Montgomery book is a must read!

My other L. M.Montgomery reviews:
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Avonlea
Anne of the Island
Anne of Windy Poplars
Anne's House of Dreams
Anne of Ingleside

The Blue Castle

And for those interested in reading some or more of L. M. Montgomery's works be sure to check out Reading to Know's L. M. Montgomery Reading Challenge, which will run in January 2010.

Betsy And Joe By Maud Hart Lovelace

256 pages
Copyright 1948
Thomas Y. Crowell Company
New York, NY

"Say, you told me you thought Les Miserables was the greatest novel ever written. I think Vanity Fair is the greatest. Let's fight." ~ Joe Willard to Betsy Ray (Chapter 4, page 47)

Betsy and Joe opens during the summer of 1909, just months from the beginning of Betsy’s senior year at Deep Valley High School. Once more Betsy and her family (sans Julia who is traveling abroad) are vacationing at the lake where Betsy spends her days relaxing, swimming, writing letters and stories (she's determined to get published before the summer is over), and planning out her last year of high school.

Betsy learned a lot during her junior year and she is resolved to continue this pattern of growth and maturity as she starts the school year. For starters, she is determined to be a steadier and more loving individual. Betsy also plans to help more around the home, study harder, spend more time reaching out to others, and most of all -- rescue her long-time friend, Tony Markham, who has fallen in with a bad crowd. But what Betsy doesn't plan for ends up being the biggest surprise of her summer -- Joe Willard and she will finally get their chance to be together…

I think it's safe to say Betsy and Joe is my all-time favorite book in the Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace. It's the culmination of the high-school years and the reader finally gets to find out more about the handsome yet mysterious Joe Willard. And yet, it's not just another chapter in the "Betsy high school saga," for as is true with any of the books in the series, Mrs. Lovelace weaves a story that is both entertaining and endearing with subtle lessons and the adventures and tragedies that are found in real-life.

I find this coming-of-age novel romantic and yet still very realistic. It’s both entertaining and heart wrenching. Love is lost, love is gained, and love is even found where it's not expected. Betsy has to make a choice whether to help another or to follow her heart. Her faith is stretched as she watches those around her lose loved ones and yet carry on. She faces challenges head on, she's improved, she's matured... and yet she still makes mistakes. But I find her flaws and virtues just make her a more realistic and lovable heroine. She's not perfect, but you don't want her to be.

Yes, Betsy and Joe is definitely the culmination of the books following Betsy’s childhood and youth, but it's not the end of her story. Mrs. Lovelace drops various hints to the reader as to the future course of many of the characters in the book and the reader has the delightful opportunity of two more books about Betsy as she enters the Great World.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Betsy and Joe a 5. This is an excellent read and well worth your attention.

-----------------------------
Note: As I mentioned in my last Betsy review, Betsy loves to read. I noticed her novel of choice in this book was Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, which I read and reviewed this summer.

Mark Your Calendar! The Maud Hart Lovelace Reading Challenge begins here at A Library is a Hospital for the Mind on Monday, September 28.

Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens

859 pages
Published in serial form December 1854-April 1857
Reprinted: Penguin Books, 2009

I did it! I've finished Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens! And a worthy, though very long read it was!

The Plot
As is the case with most of the novels written by Charles Dickens there is one main plot and there are many subplots within a story. There are also one or two main characters and a host of supporting characters and extras. Little Dorrit is no different. I hesitated to write a summary of Little Dorrit as there are so many subplots to the main plot. In the end I decided to stick with the summary given by the publisher:

"When Arthur Clennam returns to England after many years abroad, he takes a kindly interest in Amy Dorrit, his mother’s seamstress, and in the affairs of Amy’s father, William Dorrit, a man of shabby grandeur, long imprisoned for debt in the Marshalsea. As Arthur soon discovers, the dark shadow of the prison stretches far beyond its walls to affect the lives of many, from the kindly Mr. Pancks, the reluctant rent-collector of Bleeding Heart Yard, and the tipsily garrulous Flora Finching, to Merdle, an unscrupulous financier, and the bureaucratic Barnacles in the Circumlocution Office." (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

Little Dorrit as a story covers many things. It is considered one of the best satires on poverty, riches, and imprisonment. It is also about the journey of self-awareness: how do you see yourself and your circumstances and how do your circumstances (both good and bad) impact who you are, who you become, and how you treat those around you? Little Dorrit is also a love story -- love lost and love found. Last, it is a mystery. From the start of the novel the mystery is woven and the threads aren't tied up until close to the very end in typical Dickens fashion.

My Thoughts:
I loved Little Dorrit. It was a great read. And I won't deny that it is a long and at times a laborious read, but it was still a great read. At 859 pages and written in 19th century English with multiple characters, story plots and threads for the reader to keep track of, Little Dorrit is no potato chip novel... It's more like a steak. With slow and careful chewing one can finish the "steak novel" and will feel a lot more fulfilled as a reader than those living solely on a diet of "potato chip novels." Nor can one survive solely on a diet of "steak novels" -- a diet with something lighter is definitely required from time to time. At least, that is my opinion.

Without a doubt Dickens was a phenomenal writer. The fact his novels are still in print 150 years later is a testament to that fact. By why is he so phenomenal? His novels speak biblical truth without being the least bit preachy. Lessons are taught in entertaining and lasting stories. (Sometimes they are even applicable to modern times and events.) The plots are thick and rich with detail and social commentary. His characters are unique, entertaining, quirky, lovable, and even at times despicable. His prose paints vivid pictures of people, places, and things. It is no wonder that the writings of Charles Dickens are considered classics. It isn't just because they were written over 150 years ago, it is because they are well-formed, well-written works of art.

My Summary:
On a scale of 1-5, 1being horrible and 5 being excellent it should be no surprise that I rate Little Dorrit a 5. I loved this novel and am pleased to have it included in my personal library. I encourage readers everywhere to give Dickens a chance. His books are not snack reading. They are the entree. They might seem a lot to take on when the book is first opened, but a reader, with time and practice they become easier to read, understand, and enjoy.

Tuesday Teasers

"One of his customary evenings for repairing thither now coming round, he left his dwelling and his partner at nearly inine o'clock, and slowly walked in the direction of that grim home of his youth. It always affected his imagination as wrathful, mysterious, and sad; and his imagination was sufficiently impressible to see the whole neighbourhood under some tinge of its dark shadow. As he went along, upon a dreary night, the dim streets by which he went seemed all depositories of oppressive secrets."

(Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens, Part II, Chapter 10, page 567)

Book Club Recap

I'm sorry to say I failed to finish Little Dorrit in time for today's book club meeting. However, I did put a pretty good dent into the story as I made it about 1/4 to a 1/3 of the way through the 844 pages. I think, if this next week is quieter and I have more time to read I should be able to finish the book up before the end of the week and the end of the month. At least I hope to as the next several books I plan to read are stacking up quickly and starting to taunt me.

And speaking of future reads, I am excited about the book selected for our next book club meeting in September, Green Dolphin Street (a.k.a. Green Dolphin Country) by Elizabeth Goudge. I read this book as a young teenager and didn't like it... then later in my late teens I thought back and in retrospect realized what a great story it actually was. I can't wait to re-read it and see what my thoughts are now and then discuss it amongst my reading friends.

I love my book club. The ladies all have such interesting thoughts and questions about each book we read. It is always an fun, enlightening and educational experience. Today's discussion covered two books: Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens and A House to Let by Dickens and friends (reviewed by me in June) and it was as always an excellent time, even though our group was about half its normal size. The discussion was lively and we had fun reading quotes from the books, particularly the humorous quotes about the Circumlocution Office and the descriptions of some of the characters. Watch for quotes in my upcoming review and perhaps even a Tuesday Teaser. No spoilers, but I will say this, I am very much looking forward to my review of Little Dorrit. Stay tuned!

Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery

274 pages
Copyright 1939, reprinted 1992
Bantom Books
New York, NY

I cannot believe I waited this long to read Anne of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery! As I have mentioned before, I read through the first five books in the Anne series while I was in high school, but never any further. At the time I wasn't interested in reading beyond Anne's House of Dreams because I didn't think I would enjoy the stories after Anne was "old and married with lots of children." How silly is that?

Maybe it's because I am older now and married with a child that I enjoyed this book so much, but I doubt it. Anne of Ingleside is such a great book I think that had I given it a chance years ago I would have loved it just as much then as I do now.

The Plot:
In Anne of Ingleside "Anne is the mother of five, with never a dull moment in her lively home. And now with a new baby on the way and insufferable Aunt Mary Maria visiting -- and wearing out her welcome -- Anne's life is full to bursting. Still Mrs. Doctor can't think of any place she'd rather be than her own beloved Ingleside. Until the day she begins to worry that her adored Gilbert doesn't love her anymore. How could that be? She may be a little older, but she's still the same irrepressible, irreplaceable redhead -- the wonderful Anne of Green Gables, all grown up... She's ready to make her cherished husband fall in love with her all over again!" (Summary courtesy of the publisher)

My Thoughts:
Anne of Ingleside is shared with stories of Anne and her adventures and stories of the Blythe children and their adventures.

As is always the case in Montgomery's books Anne of Ingleside includes comedic adventures, quirky characters, and endearing coming-of-age stories of children and their fantastic imaginations. The Blythe children have such unique personalities and adventures which means there is never a dull moment at Ingleside or within the book. I particularly loved how Montgomery portrayed the relationships between each member of the Blythe family -- between Anne and Gilbert and their children and between the children themselves. It made for a fun and pleasing read and I look forward to getting to know the Blythe children better in the next book, Rainbow Valley.

Anne is perfection as a herioine. Now her in mid 30s, Anne has grown up, but she hasn't totally changed, she's still Anne. While she has blossomed as a wife, mother, and friend she still day dreams, is enchanted by life and nature. She still loses her temper and has her moments of silliness, but they are fewer and she handles them in a mature way. Gilbert is perfection as Anne's beloved friend, husband and lover. Even though his part in the books has always been a little to the background, I've always found his character romantic and endearing. Gilbert isn't moody or vengeful; he is steady, strong, faithful, and loving. He is the constant Anne needs and adores her as every woman wants to be adored. I loved their relationship in this book. That even after 15 years of marriage two beloved friends could still be friends and lovers. Anne of Ingleside is a romantic read.

The Summary:
On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate Anne of Ingleside a 5. It is one of my all-time favorites within the series and I am thrilled to finally have it as part of my personal library along with the other books in the series. If you haven't read this book in the series yet don't put it off any longer!

Stay tuned for my review of Rainbow Valley later this month.

A House to Let by Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, Wilkie Collins & Adelaide Anne Procter

102 pages
First published 1858, reprinted 2004
Indy Publish
Boston, Massachusetts

Some time ago my friend and fellow bibliophile, Alison, and I were searching online for future reading ideas. She stumbled upon a little known book titled A House to Let which was co-authored by five authors, among the most notable of the five were Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Wilkie Collins. Intrigued I put the book on my list to read one day... That day finally came. At the May meeting of my book club both A House to Let and Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens were selected as our reads before the next meeting in July.

A House to Let was first published in 1858 in an edition of Dickens' Household Words magazine. The story is split up in six chapters or segments. And with the exception of the first and last chapters, which were co-written by Dickens and Collins, each chapter was written by one of the five authors. Gaskell wrote the second, Dickens the third, Procter the fourth, and Collins the fifth, with Dickens handling editing for the entire novel. Apparently the story was enough of a success and enjoyment to write to encourage the group to join forces again and co-write The Haunted House in 1859.

At 102 pages, A House to Let is a short novel told in the first person by an elderly spinster named Sophonisba (a.k.a. Sarah), who has moved in across the street from a run down and abandoned house. Sophonisba's interest is sparked when she learns that the house, shrouded in mystery, has not been let for years and will never let. With the aide of an old admirer, Jabez Jarber, and her devoted servant, Trottle the research and sleuthing begins and by the end of the story the mystery is solved and things are put right in typical Dickens fashion. Throughout the story various characters, stories, and possible solutions to the mystery are submitted to Sophonisba, including stories of romance, tragedy, epic poetry, suspense, and swashbuckling adventure.

Overall I enjoyed A House to Let. I admit, I did find it a little slow at first, not because of the wording, but because I had no idea what I was getting into (the used copy I bought turned out to be a different edition than I expected and it didn't include a description or introduction to the story on either the inside or outside of the cover). Nevertheless, if the reader is persistent the story does pick up and reward the reader in the end.

On a scale of 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being excellent I would rate A House to Let a 3.5. I really enjoyed the story. I think it was a fun read, especially considering the number of celebrated authors involved in its creation. But I don't think it was said authors' best work. Still, if a reader is curious to read something by Collins, Dickens, or Gaskell, but is daunted by the length or wording of their individual novels, this might be a good place to start.

Unfortunately copies of A House to Let are hard to locate. None of my local libraries possessed a copy, so I ended up buying one online from a used bookseller for $3.50. Although it wasn't the edition I wanted, I decided to keep it and it now rests amongst my other Collins, Dickens, and Gaskell novels.

--------------------
Note: For those interested in reading one or more of the stand alone novels by these authors I recommend: North and South, Wives and Daughters, Ruth, and Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. I've only read one by Wilikie Collins entitled, The Woman in White, but it was excellent! As for Dickens, my favorite so far has been Bleak House, but I've heard many wonderful things about David Copperfield and Oliver Twist, and A Tale of Two Cities, I know they are great reads and I plan to read them one day. Oh and, stay tuned for my review of Little Dorrit.