Sam’s Comments (group member since Aug 19, 2014)

Sam’s comments from the Classics Without All the Class group.

I'm about 3/4 through the book. I have read a few dystopia books and this isn't really in the same class. I'm finding it a bit weak with the story line slowly trickling through the various chapters. I'm hoping for a big dramatic ending but I'm not going to hold my breath. Looking forward to hearing others views.

Some great comments by all. I must look into his life a bit more. I really think he was interested in life and must have spent a great time watching it. Where some authors at the time were writing about higher classes or with a certain romanticism, Hardy was there with the common folk. And let's be honest, they didn't have the best of it in those days. He just handles it with tact rather than taboo.

I glad to see such a simple start to a thread has brought about so many interesting points. I recently read The Mayor of Casterbridge and that didn't have the level of gloom that Tess and Jude did. I'm looking to read Far from the Madding Crowd soon and watching the new film after.

I enjoyed this book. Not what I expected at all but a good read. I didn't mind the SF parts. I seriously disliked Richard, but appreciate things were done differently in those days. I look forward to reading more of her books.

I disagree. I saw Nelly agreeing with whoever she was talking to despite what she might have said in earlier chapters. She seemed more of a gossip to me but it's all down to interpretation. The next time I read it I might feel completely different.

I agree with the above in sympathising with you Heathcliff but not the returning. I see the reason for the change but cannot condone it. His actions concerning Linton and Catherine are nothing but maniacal. Trying to possess the past he could not himself.

Gas

cheese

danger

danger

I loved this book when I read it for the story but also because it inspired me to go off and do a little Google searching. As a result, I know the infamous photo is made up, the numbers of the dead in the dresden bombing are highly disputed and just finished reading The Brothers Karamazof. Did anyone else find themselves looking into a different aspects of this book?

I recently bought moby dick from a charity shop despite everything I've heard about it. Hope to give it a go soon.

He really is. I'm currently reading The Brothers Karamazov and I'm itching to finish it so I can check his review out. I hate knowing plots before I get to them.

Totally agree. The nature descriptions despite being very different, really draw you to explore different authors St the time. The book polls for this group help as well.

Just thought i would say there is a thug notes for this on you tube. I love these. Sorry don't know how to link through the app.

Sorry I should have been clearer. The plane crash affects his brain and seems to bring on his senility. Dresden certainly started his mental illness, but his openly talking about space ships etc, only begins after the crash. The rest is just a cracked brain and moments of extreme stress causing his jumps.

Ultimately, it's a the war and he plane crash that finish him off. The problem is, when in the story? I think he ends it where we first find him, at home with his daughter fussing. It really is open to interpretation and a great one to discuss.

There are many possible endings suggested for Billy, but it's really left to the reader to decide which one they want to believe happened. I just wondered what other people thought of this. Does it need a firm ending?

I read this back in October and loved it if not a little baffled by it at first. Picked it up again today and already 56% through it. I forgot how easy it was to read. I could have it finished tonight if I burn the midnight oil a little.

Do re-reads count or does it have to be first time reading?