The thing about classics is that often, there is an assumption that everyone knows what happens. Even if you haven’t read the book you probably know the basic premise of the story. Which can be a bit of a downer if you actually want to read the darn thing. Alternately, there is often the assumption that you know what the book is about…so there are all sorts of references to classics that can go right over a person’s head. It’s a lose-lose situation.
A challenge? Okay, Ali. I accept your challenge of a chapter and I’ll raise you a section. Because I just happen to have Anna Karenina on hand (long story), and well, it really doesn’t have chapters. It has eight parts, divided into somethings…whatever they are, they’re too short to be called chapters (at least for the sake of this challenge). Since I can’t read only two pages for a mini-review, I’m going for Part 1 in its entirety.
Anna and I got off to a shaky start. Oblonsky seemed a bit too fond of saying “ay ay ay” and “oh oh oh” (pages 2-3) and then on page 13 it was a bunch of “ah’s.” Despite this less than stellar vocabularian (yes, I’m making up words) start, the dialogue mellowed (a bit) dramatically and improved (quite a bit) in terms of qualifying as dialogue and not just “oh woe is me” sentiments and the book actually got interesting. Although I was starting to despair that the title character would never appear. I guess if a book is 800 plus pages, the author can be forgiven for taking 60 pages before introducing the person the book is supposedly about.
One of my favorite things about the book (so far) are the notes that the translators included at the end. They explain some of the more obscure Russian terms and the references that would have made sense in 1877, but that are beyond this modern girl. Since I loved the few Russian history classes I took in college, these notes are a bonus.
Currently I’m on page 77 and *gasp* enjoying it. What is drawing me in is the glimpse into a society and way of life that is long gone. This book is appealing to my inner historian. I’m definitely reading to the end of Part 1, then I’m going all out and finishing the book. At least I hope so.
3) Let’s say you’re vacationing with your dear cousin Myrtle, and she forgot to bring a book. The two of you venture into the hip independent bookstore around the corner, where she primly announces that she only reads classic literature. If you don’t find her a book, she’ll never let you get any reading done! What contemporary book/s with classic appeal would you pull off the shelf for her?
4) As you explore the other Weekly Geeks posts: Did any inspire you to want to read a book you’ve never read before—or reread one to give it another chance? Tell us all about it, including a link to the post or posts that sparked your interest. If you end up reading the book, be sure to include a link to your post about it in a future Weekly Geeks post!
Anna Karenina is one of my all-time favorites, and I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. My Cousin Myrtle received some of the same reading recommendations as yours.
I’ve only read a couple of classics myself, but after I finish one I always say–I really want to read more classics! I read Anna Karenina a few years ago and loved it. I figured if I could get through that I can read anything!
I applaud your dedication in answering all the Qs for this week’s geek. I just realized that I forgot to add my post to the linky… I think the Thirteenth Tale and Shadow of the Wind are EXCELLENT sugs for Myrtle. And I begrudgingly admire you for the AK attempt. Show off.
Love AK, and I love this week’s Weekly Geeks.
Dracula is a fun read!
Wow. I’m so frigging impressed with you I’m grinning ear to ear. And you’re liking it! You made my day, Fizzybev.
Oh do read Dracula. The story, the mood, it’s all creepy-good.
I read AK a dozen years ago and the one thought I retained was that I liked it, but the last 100 pages were completely worthless.
“The thing about classics is that often, there is an assumption that everyone knows what happens. Even if you haven’t read the book you probably know the basic premise of the story. Which can be a bit of a downer if you actually want to read the darn thing.”
This can bug me as well. Especially the assumption that it’s okay to spoil classics, because “anybody who’s somebody” has already read them. Well, *i* haven’t. Not most of the time, anyway
Dracula is indeed great!
Sounds like AK was the right decision, since so many of you liked it!
And Ali, does this mean I get an “A”? :b
Haven’t read Anna Karenina yet, but I’m encouraged to hear that you like it. Right now, I’m tackling Doctor Zhivago. It’s one of those “classics” that everyone seems to know the ending to but me. Of course, that might just be because of the movie…
softdrink, I’m a homeschooler who doesn’t believe in grades, so you don’t get an A. You get a virtual brownie.
I am not participating in Weekly Geeks this week. I’ve read a ton of classics, but they are more or less all Danish or Scandinavian classics and I am not in the mood to write a post about that right now.
But I have awarded you the Lets Be Friends Award instead ;o)
http://louspages.blogspot.com/2009/01/lets-be-friends-award.html
Guess what I just jumped into-The Count of Monte Cristo! I went to the library the other day and figured I would try some unread Bronte or Austen, but there was none to be found. I ran across Dumas and thought I might as well give it a shot. I’m so glad to see so much high praise for it! Then again, I see a lot of high praise for Wuthering Heights, which I couldn’t stand, so who knows.
I’ve never read Anna Karenina, but I think that’s a pretty admirable jumping in point!