Classics Read #1
Note: I downloaded this book free from Amazon
Last week I joined, at the urging of Love at First Book, the Classics Club. What this means is that I vow to read at least 50 classics in 5 years (see my list here). Because classics come with the stigma of being heavy and daunting, I started out with Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton because it’s short and I’ve never read her. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of the classics (Pride & Prejudice and Tess of the D’Urbervilles are in my top ten favorite books), but it has been a while since I have read one.
Ethan Frome is a story that pits love against duty, demonstrating that the two are not necessarily the same thing. It is, quite possibly, one of the most depressing stories I have ever read. There wasn’t anything catastrophic, per se, but the quiet desperation of Ethan and Mattie was palpable and it broke my heart. Because the story was published in 1911, I imagine the outcome is very different than what it would be if it were written today. This is not a book with a predictably happy ending, and yet it will draw out your sympathetic side.
All in all, it was not a bad way to start off the Classics Club.
To purchase the book, click here
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Twitter: nktsoljo
Was not aware of the classics club. I love classics (particularly the ones written by Dickens), so feeling excited.
Twitter: thebookwheel
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Wonderful! I hope you join us!
Welcome to the Classics Club – I look forward to reading your reviews
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Thank you!
I’ve heard about The classics clubs since I’m in the English blogosphere, and I’m still thinking if joining or not (I’m a bit lazy about making my list, hehe).
About Edith Warthon, I still haven’t read her, but this book caught my eye and it’s on my list since time ago. I’m not extremely scared of classics, but I don’t read much of them, I confess.
PS: you wrote 50 years instead of 5 years.
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Ethan Frome is a good one because it’s short and the language is pretty easy to read. And good catch! If I only had to read 50 classics in 50 years, it wouldn’t be much of a challenge, would it?
I’ve never heard of the classics club before, but just had a look and think I might join too – I have quite a few on my to-read pile anyway! Glad I came across your blog, thanks for the info
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Thanks for stopping by! You should definitely check it out!
I’m in there now! List is done, books are ready, time to get reading
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Welcome! I’ll go check out your list!
Twitter: RebeccaScags
Woo hoo!!!! Soooooo excited that you are Classics Clubbing. . . Clubbing makes it sound like we need alcohol. Maybe some Classics Clubbing and wine??
Rebecca @ Love at First Book recently posted..Driving from Denver and Reminiscing – Boulder Public Library
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Looking through my list, a few may need to be read with a stiff scotch (is that a thing?).