All about Dickens! (part II)

[birdienl]

As most of you will probably know, last Tuesday was the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens birth. I wanted to make a post to celebrate this fact, but real life got in the way. Also, I haven't had the time to write a book or adaptation review, but luckily there is the Charles Dickens Birthday Week at Old-Fashioned Charm and Miss Laurie has

Comments

[litlover12]

Edith Wharton! It's her 150th birthday this year, and she's one of my favorite authors. "The House of Mirth" is my favorite; "The Age of Innocence," "The Custom of the Country," and "Old New York" (short stories) are all very good

[birdienl]

I've read about your readathon on the Dickensblog ofcourse, but I don't know who I could interest in sponsoring me for such a cause. It's hard to interest people here in The Netherlands, as Dickens is not such a big name.

Edit Wharton, I must say I'm a bit scared to start her novels. I have seen some of the adaptations of her works and they always seem so depressing. But that was over 5 years ago, so maybe I'm 'mature' enough now to try again!

[litlover12]

Well, I'd sponsor you, for one. :-) But no pressure. Do whatever you're comfortable with.

Wharton's novels ARE sad, but they're so good that I think they're worth it. You might try "The Custom of the Country," which is a satire and so has more humor than many of the others.

[birdienl]

Oh thanks for the offer! I'll think about it. I thought about sponsoring myself, but that's a bith weird don't you think? Maybe I could sponsor you in return.

Thanks, I'll keep that title in mind

[ever_maedhros]

I love Betsey Trotwood, too. I can't decide which I love more, her character in the original book, or Maggie Smith's portrayal of her.

I'm going to try and read at least two Dickens novels this year as well--preferably more. :)

[birdienl]

I have only watched the Hugh Dancy version of David Copperfield, which has Sally Field in the role of Betsy Trotwood. I loved her portrayal, but I've heard many good things about Maggie Smith's portrayal as well. I should really watch that version!

I think two Dickens novels is my max, it usually takes me at least three weeks to finish one of his novels and there are other things to read as well! Anyway, I could always try to watch all the adaptations this year which I haven't seen yet. Takes way less time!

[ever_maedhros]

Yes, you should watch the Maggie Smith version. I love it so much, I own it. :)

[epea_pteroenta]

Voted for Little Dorrit - which I loved. The BBC adaptation is very close to it but there's MORE OF IT and you can really picture the characters. It was amazing. Also, why not read Edwin Drood? That could be really interesting...

[birdienl]

Little Dorrit has the most votes now, so I think I'll just place the reservation at my library!

Edwin Drood is indeed a good idea as well!

[birdienl]

I must say I'd never before heard of Stendhal, but I'll look into his works!

[caffeinatedlife]

I voted for Our Mutual Friend and Little Dorrit--loved both novels! My favourite Dickens <3 Not to mention I loved both BBC adaptations for the books xD

As for a recommendation for a novel from another classic author...how do you feel about reading something out of Russian literature? ;) Or are you sticking to English classical lit for suggestions?

[birdienl]

Thanks for your recommendations!

No, I'm not definitively sticking to English classical lit. I've thought about Russian ofcourse. Do you have a short(ish) and not too complicated novel to recommend to start me of?

[litlover12]

Do you like reading plays? Chekhov's plays are some of my favorite Russian literature. And they're shortish. :-) Shorter than most novels, anyway.

[birdienl]

Oke, thanks! I don't have much experience with reading plays, but I'll see if I can find one