The Classics Tag

I'm not entirely sure where I saw this tag but I felt like it could be an interesting addition to my blog. Between the ages of 15 and 17, I went through a phase where I literally just read classics (yes, I was pretty unbearable), and they still form a sizeable amount of my TBR.

1) An overhyped classic

Great. Expectations. I studied this at school and by the end of it kind of wanted to kill Pip. Whilst his slightly wimpy voice was understandable in the early parts of the novel where he is a child; but 20-something Pip really needed to just get a grip. Whilst Miss Havisham is obviously one of the most well-known characters in literature, the novel is kind of ruined by the protagonists voice. Although having recently DNF-ed Bleak House for similar reasons, I'm beginning to think that maybe me and Dickens are just not destined to get on.

2) Favourite time period to read about

In terms of historical fiction, I will read about pretty much any time period, I especially like novels that are set outside of the standard white Western experience of world events. In terms of classics, the majority of my favourites are written in the 1920s or 1930s; or throughout the 19th century.

3) Favourite fairy-tale

Whilst I remember reading some Hans Christian Anderson when I was younger, I haven't read any fairy-tales for a very long time. I know that retellings are having a real resurgence, so if you have any recommendations do let me know!

4) What classic are you most embarrassed not to have read?

I don't really go in for feeling embarrassed about not having read books. However, Les Miserables is one of my favourite musicals and so I should probably get around to reading its source material. Even though it is a tome.

5) Top 5 classics you want to read soon

6) Favourite modern book/series based on a classic

This is another area where I don't have that much reading history, especially because I've found the companion novels to classics that I have read have been disappointing. However, I do love Bridget Jones's Diary which is of course based on Pride & Prejudice. I also very much want to read Wild Sargasso Sea.

 
7) Favourite film/TV series based on a classic

Controversial perhaps? But I do really love the 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. I know that technically these Bennets are a bit too poor but I just love this. Matthew Macfayden is great as Darcy, especially in that first proposal scene and I thought that Rosamund Pike as Jane and Simon Woods as Bingley were adorable. Plus Dario Marianelli's score is beautiful as well.

8) Worst classic to movie adaptation

I do tend to stay away from adaptations that sound awful so this is a bit of a tough one. Kenneth Branagh's Frankenstein is certainly an experience...but is so camp that it's almost good.

9) Favourite editions you'd like to collect more of

I do love the Penguin Clothbond classics, and I already own two so I'd love more. I also think the Barnes & Noble classics are just beautiful as well.

10) An underhyped classic

Anne Bronte has got to be one of the most underrated writers full stop. Both her sisters, Charlotte and Emily, are well known and Anne deserves to be up there with them. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall combines the best aspects of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. When Helen Lawrence, a young widower moves to a local stately home with her son, the community is rocked. Gabriel Markham becomes fascinated by her and the novel gradually reveals her back story. Helen is a great character, and deserves to be known alongside Jane Eyre.

I tag you!

Amy

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