Twisting with Oliver
Somehow I missed reading several of the “classics” when I was in high school. I was part of the generation that read more contemporary works, such as 1984, Animal Farm, On the Beach, and Centennial. I’m glad I did, but I wish I’d read a few more of the “traditional”.
As a result, I have spent the last few years trying to read “The Classics”. I struggled through Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (which I was very glad I had when I saw Les Miserables on Broadway), slogged through The Scarlet Letter by Nathanael Hawthorne (how many words must that man use when the ending was plain to see within two chapters!), and have attempted and abandoned Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte about four times. This week however, I finally finished Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. Like many authors of his generation (1800’s), he liked to use words, LOTS of words. My husband says its because there was no television, radio, or ipods to distract people – so all they had to do was read. Actually I found out it was published in monthly installments over a two year period, 1837 – 39, which puts a whole different light on the story!
I’m glad I finished the book, the story was worth the work, though I admit I felt a little like I did on my high school graduation day. Seemed like a lot of set up for a quick ending . . .
What are you reading today?
Now I liked Wuthering Heights but could not for the life of me make it through The Scarlet Letter.
I'm reading some category romances lately. I love the price and they're so easy to download on my Ipad. ๐
I am a Kindle user – so that's a great way to get the "classics" for free. I'm going to give Wuthering Heights another try, each time I get a little further . . .
Right now I've been reading a lot of the books that my daughter is reading for her Battle of the Books team. You can see them listed on my Books page.
Thanks for commenting!
I had a hard time with the language in the classics too. But I do want to read them. Very inspiring Sheila ๐
Welcome to the A to Z Challenge! And congratulations, you are over 100 followers now.
Thank you Alex for popping me over the 100 mark!
Greetings from Southern California.
I added myself to follow your blog. You are more than welcome to visit mine and become a follower if you want to.
God Bless You, ~Ron
Ten years ago, when my oldest was about three, we lived in Los Angeles. Once a week, we'd take the subway to the huge library downtown. That's when I started to read the classics that I missed out on. Turns out I'm a big fan of the Bronte sisters and Steinbeck! Those long subway rides and waits for buses were alleviated, too!
So glad you've joined the challenge. Your secret's safe with us. I'll be thanking you for adding the badge in my next Thank You post.
Right now I'm reading a YA novel which I will be reviewing on next Tuesday.
Lee
Tossing It Out and the Blogging From A to Z April Challenge 2011
Thanks for visiting! I'm a NC girl too ๐ Lived in Winston-Salem for several years, now live further east!
I read Wuthering heights a few years ago and hated it. So i immediately read it again and the second time through, I loved it! Weird, huh?
keep going~! the classics are worth it!
First, congratulations on reading some of the great classics of all time. I read the same books in high school, then again in college, and Iโve sworn to myself that I wonโt do it again. They are incredible books. That goes without saying. But Iโm more interested in non-fiction, personally.