Classics > M Classics > Jane Austen

Advantages: interesting social history,
Disadvantages: long winded in places

I'm particularly fond of Jane Austen novels and this is another fantastic example. The sympathy evoked for poor Fanny Price is little in comparison to the anger against her aunts and cousins for their lack of value for her. Fanny is the poor cousin taken away from her large family to be brought up with her rich aunt and uncle with the 'help' of her other aunt. Undervalued without realising it and uncertain of her own opinions she struggles through ...
...up, moral young lady who all can be proud of. As she faces her problems the reader is made aware of the social problems of early 19th century England and the disparity of wealth as illustrated by the social situations of the 3 sisters- Fanny's mother and aunts. Although tedious in places there is no doubting the excellently written plot of this novel. Happy Reading ... 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

Advantages: Discover a great story of friendship and hardship
Disadvantages: Read it and you will know

...book is about the struggles of two very contrasting yet likeable charactors in the duo George and Lennie. They are two out of work and out of luck men in the depression period in the USA. They do everything together, work eat sleep everything. They even share the same dream of owning their own ranch where they can work for themselves. A thoroughly enjoyable book which I am glad that I bought, definitely surprised me more than once and especially ... Read review

Advantages: Interesting twists and turns in the plot
Disadvantages: Difficult to get into

...for the next chapter. Great Expectations: This was written in 1861, and has become known as one of the best novels of Dickens, with its strong characters such as Miss Havisham. Each installment of Great Expectations contained two chapters, and explains the crescendo's of climax found in the novel. Plot: THe story follows Pip from childhood to adulthood. At first, he is seen as an orphan, being brought up by his harsh sister and her gentle husband, ...
...deals with this. THoughts: Great Expectations is an interesting read in regards to atttitudes towards different classes, and for those who have interest in such history, there will no doubt be enjoyment from this novel. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, and found it a captivating read, as you identify with the feelings of many characters; Joe's continuous kindness towards Pip, Pip's desire to be a genteman, and Miss Havisham's ... Read review

Advantages: Beautiful vivid descriptions, extremly developed characters
Disadvantages: Some may find it too detailed

...expressed in her writings. Although Rebecca is considered her masterpiece and has become a famous film, she wrote many other books such as Jamaica's Inn, My COusin Rachel and Frenchman's Creek which are less well-known. Rebecca: Rebecca was written in 1938, while Rebecca was unhappy at Egypt, where her husband was osted at the time. It is a story of a woman's first love, a story of mystery and a story of crime. As these different genres of the book ...
...to Maxim's first wife, Rebecca. Rebecca was a beatiful, sophisticated woman, with a high position in society, and was considered a social butterfly. In contrast to her, the new Mrs de Winter feels clumsy, ashamed and embarassed, and without her husband's suport, she is left to dream of Rebecca, and almost becomes obsessed with her. Rebecca had died at sea, and she feels that perhaps she is just a poor replacement of Rebecca, and under the constant ... Read review