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Found 3 results

  1. Just scanned through every page of topics in this Classics sub-forum and can't believe no one has mentioned Victor Hugo's Les Miserablés. Am I really the only one who read and enjoyed this epic novel? Set in the early 1800s, it follows the trials and tribulations of ex-convict Jean Valjean following his release from prison (serving something like 18 years (forgive me if I got that wrong) for stealing a loaf of bread) and the offer of redemption he receives from a clergyman after he tries to steal the church silverware. Valjean goes on to turn his life around, helping (and being helped by) various characters along the way, all the while being hunted down by Javert, a member of the gendarmerie (police). The whole story culminates, rather meaningfully, in the June Uprising in the 1830s. I'm sure everyone here has either seen the stage show, seen one of the many films or made-for-TV movies, or at the very least, heard Susan Boyle sing her rendition of one of the stage-show's classic titles, I Have a Dream... But how many of you have actually read the novel? For me, I started with the Penguin Classic - abridged and chopped down to around 200 pages or so, which I picked up for £1 or £1.50. I consumed it within two days and was hungry for more. I felt like the story had so much more to give than was offered in the abridged version, so I immediately hit the bookstore for the complete and unabridged version. I admit the first third of the novel was a bit of a hard slog. There were French words I didn't know, place names I couldn't get my tongue around, and descriptive passages that oftentimes seemed to meander meaninglessly, but I can assure you, if you're tempted to read it, get through that first 500 pages or so (I know it sounds like a lot, but trust me, it's worth it!) and you won't be able to put the book down.
  2. I chanced upon his book at the local library and picked it up, mostly because I had heard of favourable responses to the Meryl Streep- starring film adaptation. Turned out to be a rewarding impulse! It is a work of art, beautifully constructed. The book is narrated by the author. It is based on the time period he spent in Brooklyn, and the two friends he makes there, Nathan and Sophie. It is his take on Nathan and Sophie's tumultuous, exhausting relationship that we perceive. There is some element of autobiography, which adds to the credibility of the world he creates. He manages to engage the reader instantaneously and it is almost as if you are magically transported into his world, being permitted to gaze at the chain of events unfolding as he narrates. Escaping into the world of 1960s Brooklyn doesn’t seem like the most inviting of prospects at first, but the characters he peoples his world with strive to make it so. The author writes parts of the book in Sophie’s Polish-accented English, allowing the reader to visualise her clearly in his/ her imagination. Flashbacks to Sophie’s past work wonderfully well as a device in both fleshing out her character and adding to the suspense culminating in the story’s climax. Ultimately, you’re left wondering as to what proportion of the book is autobiography and whether Sophie really existed...
  3. Hey guys! I need your help in finding a good book to read! Me and my boyfriend are currently in a long distance relationship and we decided to read a book together. I love the great classics such as Pride and Prejudice and The Great Gatsby and when it comes to love stories Atonement may be one of my favourites. However, he wanted to read a love story which has a story similar to ours; loving at a distance. He also wants a happy ending. Now, without spoiling the ending, does anyone out there have a suggestion of a good love story? Thanks!
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