Nath, I recently read Dorian Gray. I know you're a Wilde Fan. How did you find it? Its obsession with beauty and hedonism repulsed and attracted me in equal measure!
C&P is on my bookshelf waiting for me too - would you recommend it?
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Nath, I recently read Dorian Gray. I know you're a Wilde Fan. How did you find it? Its obsession with beauty and hedonism repulsed and attracted me in equal measure!
C&P is on my bookshelf waiting for me too - would you recommend it?
It's strange, many people say that Wilde's work is improved by being immersed in the "myth" of him as a person. I've personally gone to the trouble of NOT reading huge amounts about the man himself, so I can apreciate the work for itself.Quote:
Originally Posted by Nat
Dorian Gray was everything I hoped it would be! Dorian's struggle is fascinating, but as usual I mainly found myself being most drawn to Wilde's wit, especially Lord Henry's hilariously cynical opinions. I've never read a "gothic" novel that made me laugh so much!
As for C and P, definately read it! Dostoevsky really gets across the grime and the filth of 19thc St. Petersburg, and it's fairly disturbing how much you end up relating to Raskolnikov, even after he's committed the murder. Good stuff though.
Cheers, I've got a holiday coming up, so I will get into it. Oh to be a student again and have all that spare time! ;-)
I thought Lord Henry was amusing most of the time too, but I must admit there were times I found his one-liners and witty quips a bit wearing!
Oh yes Wilde is so quotable, almost too much sometimes!
To keep it on topic, I am now reading a biography of Ian Curtis from Joy Division, written by his widow Deborah. Heavy stuff...
After reading the Millenium trilogy massively hooked on Scandinavian crime novels. Completed Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole books and wondering if Headhunters is worth a shot, to occupy the time until The Bat is released.
Also, read four Henning Mankell's Wallander books but really struggling to get into them do the later ones get better?
Lastly, can anyone suggest anymore Scandinavian crime authors? Tried Karin Fossum wasn't really impressed, Arnaldur Idridason and Lars Kepler are both on my list to try. Not entirely sure on Hakan Nesser as the fictitious places has put me off a bit. Fancy a really good whodunnit.
Generally don't like thrillers but over the last year have developed an unhealthy obscession with the Wallander TV series so might have to try the books. I bought some of Jo Nesbo's stuff for my mum last year I think.Quote:
Originally Posted by MR A-Z
To keep it on topic, I'm reading the complete works of Oscar Wilde.
Finished reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower last night, fantastic book. Saw the film the other month with a housemate who'd read it so borrowed the book off him. I think anyone who felt at all socially awkward or isolated in adolescence can really relate to it...and let's be honest, who didn't?
Unfortunately I'm now out of books...probably a good thing given I should be reading notes and textbooks for my exam next week...
Sounds like something I might enjoy.Quote:
Originally Posted by Black Sheep Boy
I can hardly bring myself to read lately, what with reading being the mainstay of my degree (History), so I've been downloading lots of free audiobooks to fall asleep to. Recent listens have been Dante's Inferno, James Joyce 'The Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man' and Plato's 'The Republic'. Was really surprised by how readable and gripping the latter was, has changed my outlook on quite a few issues.
Probably a desperate indicator of how much I need a girlfriend but hey, I didn't choose the bookworm life, it chose me. ;)
Recently read a foreign country by Charles Cumming and agent of deceit by chris morgan jones, both were excellent reads and i recomend them highly.
The protagonist has a penchant for The Smiths and classic literature, so yes, I imagine you might ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Nath6644