“What classic has most surprised you so far, and why?”
Rather than naming a single classic that most surprised me, I’ll say my biggest surprise so far has been the Russian authors collectively.
Dostoevsky was the first Russian author I read: The Brothers Karamazov followed closely by
Tolstoy: Anna Karenina.
I was intimidated by the Russian authors, and didn’t know what
to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by both. They were both easy to read and
quite captivating. The only challenge was getting used to the numerous name
variations that could apply to a single character.
If I had to pick one of these, and I probably better as The
Classics Club moderators can be pretty demanding, I’d go with the Bros. K
because I had less idea of the plot. I knew Anna K was a tragic romance. By the
way, it’s MUCH more than that.
And it just happens, that I’ll be getting my second dose of both
authors shortly. I have War and Peace and Crime and Punishment coming up a bit
later this year.
Honorable mention to Dune by Frank Herbert – the gold standard
in Sci-Fi. One-Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – because I
had no idea what to expect. It was unusual and captivating, and one of the best
opening lines ever. Beloved by Toni Morrison – the travesty of slavery told in
unique way.
You will love War and Peace...I enjoyed it even more than Anna K which is also a favorite! I love your modernized nomenclatures ..Anna K and Bros K...adopting! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks...and thanks :)
DeleteWar and Peace was a fantastic read but I think it took me as long to review it as it did to read it! I had a good experience with Dostoyevsky last year so I really should read one of his biggies (either the Bros. K. or C&P) this year.
ReplyDeleteI'm starting to think I should enjoy War and Peace :) Thanks Cleo.
ReplyDelete