Classics > N Classics > Jane Austen

Advantages: Enjoyable use of language, and interesting changes in central character
Disadvantages: May be less appealing to people wanting faster pace

Driving fom Norfolk to the Midlands on a dull Sunday afternoon, with the car radio fixed on BBC Radio 4 and unable to switch over in case it woke my (sleeping) partner in the passenger seat, I was mesmerised by the first instalment of their production of this book. So much so that I had to rush out and buy a copy, reading it avidly and recalling the embarrassment of my own callow youth - mistakes made, divided loyalties, unconscious growth of personality ...
...intricacies of growing up are truly timeless, as is the author's perception of character, and I certainly enjoyed this novel. Maybe not for everyone, some of the language/situations being a little outdated, but that need not get in the way of the story. "Plain Jane" Catherine grows up unspoilt, given an opportunity to mix in appropriate society (= marriage market), makes first "real" friend, meets "TDH" Henry, friend's family overplay Catherine's ... Read review

Advantages: well developed characters and story, reads well
Disadvantages: slow to start

Rebecca is, in my opinion, Du Maurier's best work. The intricate story is woven around a young nameless woman who finds herself accepting the infamous Maxim de Winter's marriage proposal after only a few days acquaintance. The plot then thickens as his dead Ex-wife, Rebecca, is continually present in their lives throught the efforts of the somewhat mysterious and frightening Mrs Danvers. However as Mrs De Winters learns more and more of her husband ... Read review

Advantages: Brilliant plot and characters
Disadvantages: lengthy, incongrous descriptions

Tess of the D'urbervilles is a plot revolving around the impressive landscapes of Wessex, where Hardy set most of his novels, and the eponymous heroine; Tess Durbeyfield. The book is highly saturated with Hardy's lengthy descriptions yet gives a wonderful social commentary of contemporary 'Hardy' Wessex and the trials he put his heroine through. At a young age Tess is thrown into adulthood when her parents believe themselves to be descendants of ...
...other hand, the character of Tess is so well conceived and real that it is hard not to feel so deeply for her sufferings. It is also easy to see Hardy's own views reflected in that of Angel Clare, as he struggles against the narrow spiritual constraints of his family to his own sense of humanity and Hardy's eventual rejection of the Christian faith. I believe many readers will enjoy this book for its brilliant characters and plot that contains not ... Read review

Advantages: It is a read the you will never forget
Disadvantages: You have to try and get used the language she uses

It was an amazing read taking you through various emotions in which you get caught up in the romance and fall in love with the characaters. Every emotion is described beautifully by Jane Austen and the continuous darama and unexpected twists keeps you moving forward. from the very first line you are captivated by what it to come next. It is the perfect book to curl up with. The way that Jane Austen interwove verious stroylines through the book and ...
...excited and catching up on a story. Furthermore, it was also interesting as the book is written through the view point of one the characters Elizabeth Bennet, it is exciting to see how she views situations and the mistakes she makes, in which you almost start to understnad her emotions and move through the story with her. The story also reflects the society of that period of time beautifully and the sopcial beiefs and etiquette of that time. ... Read review

Advantages: fantastic storyline
Disadvantages: none

"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" A story by John Steinbeck of friendship between 2 migrant ranch workers who have nobody but eachother, fighting to survive in great depression era California. Out on their own after having to leave their last home due to the accident proneness of Lennie Small, who, though extremely strong, has no way to control it, due to having a mental age of a young child. It is up to George, a quick witted ...
...for work for them to be able to live and eat. An apparent change of luck finds them with work and a roof over their heads but unfortunate events causes their luck to run out. An emotional tale with an ending to melt even the strongest of peoples hearts..... ... Read review