[Update, to correct review links.:] This is my all-time favourite classic fantasy and I have read it at least four times over the years. I believe it...more[Update, to correct review links.:] This is my all-time favourite classic fantasy and I have read it at least four times over the years. I believe it has stood the test of time, hence - it is truly a classic.
Read both as a child, and again as an adult. Loved and appreciated it then; love and appreciate it now.
A book everyone should read at least once, and...moreRead both as a child, and again as an adult. Loved and appreciated it then; love and appreciate it now.
A book everyone should read at least once, and one that I hope children are still reading today.(less)
I read this book back in my university days, although not for an English course. At the time, I couldn't understand why it had been considered a "dirt...moreI read this book back in my university days, although not for an English course. At the time, I couldn't understand why it had been considered a "dirty" book; now, is that a reflection on my morals?
From a letter Lawrence wrote, quoted by Richard Hoggart in the Introduction:
"It's what the world would call very improper.... But you know it's not really improper - I always labour at the same thing, to make sex relations valid and precious, instead of shameful. And this novel is the furthest I've gone. To me it is beautiful and tender and frail as the naked self is."
And that is as good a reminder as I'm going to get, of what I thought of it. I'm looking forward to rereading and reassessing this book.
Unlike Ulysses, which I have tried to read too many times to count (the furthest I made it was halfway), I have read Portrait twice: once in my twenti...moreUnlike Ulysses, which I have tried to read too many times to count (the furthest I made it was halfway), I have read Portrait twice: once in my twenties, and again a few years ago. Although I found the religious sections a bit tedious, I was pleased to discover that my appreciation for the rest of Joyce's portrayal has increased considerably over the years. (less)
I remember that after reading this, Dostoevsky’s final book, and the last book I read by him, that it became my all-time favourite. If I gave 5 stars...moreI remember that after reading this, Dostoevsky’s final book, and the last book I read by him, that it became my all-time favourite. If I gave 5 stars to Crime and Punishment, then I would have given 6 to The Brothers Karamazov. I must have focused on plot the first time I read it, but knew, even at the time, that there was so much more to it that I had to read it again. I did. But all I remember is that if Crime and Punishment made me think, The Brothers Karamazov made me really think.
I can say, if you’ve never read Dostoevsky, and plan only to read one of his books, I would recommend you read The Brothers Karamazov – and I have a feeling I am going to have to read it for a third time! (less)
There was a time in my life when I couldn’t get enough of reading Dostoevsky. Maybe because his books made me think so deeply about being human and ho...moreThere was a time in my life when I couldn’t get enough of reading Dostoevsky. Maybe because his books made me think so deeply about being human and how we choose to live our lives. I began with Crime and Punishment, probably the work he is best known for.
What I remember is being fascinated by Dostoevsky’s brilliant understanding of human nature. I remember thinking what a deep study this book was; an incredible examination of a man who commits murder and how he is “punished” for it.
I remember thinking that here was a master storyteller. Not only able to create complex characters, but able to take the reader deeply inside a character’s mind. Best of all, I remember that I would stop reading periodically and think; not a mindless read, but an absorbing one. (less)
I read The Idiot while I was in the hospital – in isolation, to be precise. What I remember is that the “idiot”, Prince Myshkin, lived in the moment;...moreI read The Idiot while I was in the hospital – in isolation, to be precise. What I remember is that the “idiot”, Prince Myshkin, lived in the moment; and that I became so absorbed in his ability to see good in others – no matter what they did – that I forgot where I was for long periods of time. I remember being very surprised – and thankful – for that. (Hence the 4 stars; not sure what I would give it if I were to read it again!)(less)
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