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

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

I know what you mean. I read Withering Heights in between. Glutton for punishment. I have
shall add native to my to read books

I love how it's written. Just wish it would finish happily. Love the drama though. Is this typical of all Hardy works?

I've recently read Tess of the Durbervilles and Jude the obscure (sorry I don't know how to tag the books). I thoroughly enjoyed them both but neither really had a happy ending. I read Tess first (and on a kobo) and so many time the book could have ended happy, but the % left told a different story. Once I hit Jude, I expected the same and wasn't surprised. Do any of his book end on a happy note or is that just his charm?

7 not bad for a brit still cutting my teeth on the classics. Love lists, they give you a starting point.

Of the reads recently, I just could not get into at the mountains of madness and middlemarch. Just couldn't get into them. Hope to revisit and check out the discussions. I don't like to be beaten.

I found I was waiting for something else to happen in "the dead". It was suspenseful from the start and led you think the danger could come from any of the many threads in this story. I found many story's had quite a disappointing ending from the perspective of the characters at least.

I found the story's a little annoying at first. just snippets and so many unanswered questions. But got into it after a while. Can't say I would read it again, but writing was good enough for you to want more of the inane daily lives Joyce provided.

Just finished this today. Looking forward to hearing other people's reactions.

McMurphy is offered up as a christ symbol in many ways. Most significantly receiving shock treatment, on the cross with a crown of thorns. He also knows he has to sacrifice himself for the sake of the other patients. This results in his assault of nurse Ratchet and subsequent lobotomy.

Anyone have any views as to why Beatty just stood there and burned? Was he in agreement with the woman who set fire to her house and herself (he is often quoting books and must be well read despite being a fireman) Or was he simply giving himself up as a martyr against books and learning. Its clear the government always want the best outcome as we see with the fake Montage being killed. Maybe this was planned to?

Just watched this and I'm hooked. Love it.

I'm finding it difficult to get into this book. Is it just me or are others struggling?

He had complete respect for his father. I'm not sure he did for the Samana. I understand where he was coming from.

I thought Govinda was used as a measuring stick to show how far Siddhartha has come since his brahmin days.

I found the second part easier to digest than the first. I think I was too consumed with the religious language to fully take it all in. I am very happy I carried on as the second part is what made the book for me. I felt he sold out when becoming a merchant and was relieved when he finally renounced this life. My favourite part was when he related his own relationship with his son to that of his father and him. Very thought provoking.