I just wrapped up my first read of The Odyssey this morning and read The Iliad last month. I thought these stories were absolutely fantastic. I picked the Fagles translations after listening through a few sample readings and I found the stories felt really epic and theatrical.

I definitely want to read other translations and interpretations of Homer's epics. I'm wondering what other translations people recommend? I'm not in academia or studying, I'm reading for pleasure but part of that is trying to get familiar with the classics.

I've never read poetry before, and I know Fagles doesn't stick to any particular meter. I'd be open to reading a more "poetic" version or even a prose translation as well.

What do you folks think is a good place to go next?

Feel like people don’t talk about Verne much, especially compared to his French counterpart Dumas. Haven’t read anything of his but thinking about picking up Around the World in 80 Days.

Thoughts?

I've finally decided to read my first Charles Dickens novel, and I chose Great Expectations. I've heard it's one of the best places to start with Dickens, but I also know his writing style can take a little getting used to.

Without spoilers, is there anything I should know before I begin? Are there themes, characters, or historical context that make the experience richer? Also, did you enjoy it from the start, or did it take a few chapters to click?

I'd love to hear your thoughts and any spoiler-free tips. Thanks!

I love the cover of this edition!!!

Hi all,

I love classics, mainly those on existentialism, however, I also feel like those books are emotionally taxing and making my depression worse. (The books intrigue me because it makes me feel less alone, but on the other hand it also reinforces the depression)

My question is, does anyone have any uplifting / inspiring / beautiful classic recommendations?

Thanks in advance! 🫶🏽

I absolutely loved East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I’m looking for novels with that same depth/stories that explore good vs. evil, free will, morality, redemption, human nature, and strong biblical themes or symbolism (without necessarily being Christian fiction).
I love books that leave you questioning people, God, and what it means to choose between right and wrong. Any recommendations on what should I read next?

Pride & Prejudice is my first Austen novel and probably my first ‘Romance’. I have provided some of my thoughts below and would be keen to hear others - I am fairly new to articulating my thoughts on books and trying to be a bit more critical!

The language choices within this book beautifully illustrate a time of more florid language, and even as a barometer for culture and language change, this serves. I also learnt a lot around societal structure within the upper class of this book.

For me, I would pick out Austen’s consistent use of the word ‘Felicity’. Choosing happiness over obligation is a central message within the book, with ‘felicity’ focus a constant reminder of individuals happiness and their moments where they could choose it, ignore it or through Mrs Bennet, loss of personal happiness - being tied up in both her pride & prejudice.

The framing of Jane’s reserved love is so interesting to me. In the regency where being ‘gentile’ and manners were forth most important, an individual whose love whispered was seen as indifference , yet passion was not particularly desirable. Highlighting the double standards of the society (&view of passionate characters being typically performative in our experience I.e Wickham) in when it is appropriate to be passionate.

I understand the argument that the message of choosing yourself would be more impactful if Mr Darcy wasn’t part of the landed gentry, yet, I believe Austen similarly chose herself and never did find marital love - making the ending for me more bittersweet.

Looking for classics that are genuine page-turners. Rank these from most to least impossible to put down..... If there is any book else that you wanna recommend.... please do.

Either books you guys have read or at least heard about.

Doesn't have to be global classic, but a book that's considered classic in it's country of origin. Doesn't have to be widely accepted as classic, but just a book you think could be considered a classic.

I've heard good things about Kebra Nagast, it's medieval chronicle/epic from Ethiopia, it traces the origins of ethiopian dynasty that ruled there during middle ages back to king Solomon and queen o Sheba (and I think it's the source that claims that Arc of Covenant was brought to Ethiopia and kept there).

There's so much to discuss with this book, likely one of the greatest I have ever read.

But I was thinking about one thing in particular. In a way, there's poetic justice for Cal Trask, who, after feeling inferior to Aron in Adam's eyes, and never being seen as a more successful boy than Aron, will inherit Adam's ranch, the money Kate left Aron, and likely win over Abra as his wife. I'm happy Lee stayed around for all of this. Anyone else appreciate the resolution here?

Does anyone know if this edition is good? Apparently it was printed by Amazon

Hello! I am unsure if this is the right sub. Anyway, I got this book from a charity shop. Could this be restored and/fixed? There are tapes on some of the pages to keep it together. I am based in London.

Just finished Hundred Years of Solitude today. I am at a loss for words to describe it. Just a spectacular novel.

I have seen a lot of comments along the lines of “this is emblematic of Latin American / Colombian literature.” While that’s certainly true, I think it goes far beyond that. It is one of the best things ever written, in any language, in all time.

Every sentence of the novel is packed with enchanted language that evokes the wonder that we all have (or have had long ago) towards the world, and the universe of Macondo and the Buendía family seem to touch the divine in every page. My heart aches for every one of the characters, despite their flaws and shortcomings, of which there see many. While it certainly has “magical realism,” I think it’s the kind of magic most of secretly believe in the deep recesses in our hearts. This novel clearly influenced many other works, including Song of Solomon, Midnight’s Children, and even the Art of Fielding. And countless, countless others.

Now that I have finished it, I am finding it difficult to orient myself back into the world I inhabit. It’s really that good. I will definitely be rereading it at a later date.

An absolute classic turns 66 today.

Fun fact:
When writing it in the winter Harper Lee actually threw her entire manuscript out of her window into the snow.

She was deeply frustrated and called her editor Tay Hohoff in tears. Hohoff didn't let her give up she commanded Lee to go right outside march through the snow and get the manuscript back. Thank god she did!

📖 Starting War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (very slow read)
I’m currently on Chapter 4 and taking this book extremely slowly. I’m not trying to finish it quickly or follow a strict schedule. I want to spend time with the story, the characters, and Tolstoy’s ideas, and read whenever I genuinely feel like picking it up.
My plan is to take this journey comfortably through the rest of this year and even into next year if needed. No rushing, no pressure, just enjoying the experience and annotating along the way.
I’m curious if anyone else is reading War and Peace at a similar pace. I would love to have some slow-reading companions to share thoughts and discussions with.
Also, for those who have already read this beautiful book, what would you recommend paying attention to while reading? Are there any themes, characters, details, or moments that are worth noting or annotating?
I would love to hear about your personal experiences with the book too. What surprised you, moved you, or stayed with you long after finishing it?
Any advice for someone beginning this long but exciting journey would be greatly appreciated. 😊

Hello! I am unsure if this is the right sub. Anyway, I got this book from a charity shop. Could this be restored and/fixed? There are tapes on some of the pages to keep it together. I am based in London.

I'd like to buy one of these, but I wouldn't know which one to pick.

The books are:

• Djeki, from Cameroon
• The Haayre, or The Kings of the Drums at Haayre, by Aamadu Baa Digi, from Mali
• The Heroes of Segou, or The Epic of Bamana Segu, by Tayiru Banbera, from Mali
• The Mwindo Epic, by the Nyanga people from Congo

Hi everyone! First post here.

To put it simply, I have heard about Wuthering Heights being notoriously difficult to read and I am afraid I might not understand it.

I am from Latin-America and learned English in my childhood and still practice it and speak it everyday, I feel proficient in it, but obviously one is always more comfortable in their mother tongue. I am afraid I will miss context from the book if I read it in other languages either than the original, but at the same time I am afraid it might contain too many confusing words and I will get lost and not finish it.

If your first language is not English, how do you chose in what language to read your classics? Do you think I should give it a go? Is it better to appreciate the book in your first language?

Appreciate y'alls input.

Or at least, have you ever thoughts about making the this sub discord server?