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Clarissa, or, The History of a Young Lady
The 100 Best Novels
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Week 4 - Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
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I am slightly embarrassed to confess: it is not even a novel I've ever heard about.
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I am the same, the only one I have heard of is Gulliver's Travels.
I've heard of it and know it is about a "fallen woman", but that's about the limit of my knowledge. Surprised to see this on a Sunday. I thought the articles came out on Mondays?
This has been on my bookshelf for years now. Its huge. That's all I know about it.
Clarissa hmmm well I know it's important as a piece of literary history..... Not sure i am desperate to read it.
I've checked and, like many earlier books, it was published in several volumes. The first volume is about 200 pages long on Project Gutenberg, so I've downloaded it. I'd really like to use this series as a way of filling some gaps in my knowledge/reading of British and US literature. However, there will probably be too many gaps for me to keep up with the series!
Petra wrote: "This has been on my bookshelf for years now. Its huge. That's all I know about it."That's enough to put anyone off! Seriously, though, I'm not sure I will be reading it anytime soon...
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I have read this years ago and liked it. I think that I liked Pamela better, but once you get used to Richardson's style the plot was fun.
Leslie wrote: "I have read this years ago and liked it. I think that I liked Pamela better, but once you get used to Richardson's style the plot was fun."At last! Someone has read it!
LauraT wrote: "Leslie is AWESOME!!!!";)
Well, I'm now a quarter of the way through Volume One. I'm finding it very easy to read and pretty enjoyable.I like the way the story unfolds via letters between the various protagonists(you can see the word 'epistolary' doesn't trip easily off my tongue!)
Mod
Looking at the books so far, I am going to guess that week 5 will be The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding
I'm halfway through Volume One now, still finding it enjoyable.
I know this isn't a readalong, but just to say I really like Letter XXVIII, where Clarissa objects to her friend's comments on her (C's) mother, on the basis that 'I can criticize my family but nobody else can'.Plus ca change!
Will I finish the volume? Yes
Will I read the other volumes? Unlikely, not enough reading hours left!
It's great to read your thoughts about this, so do share!
Well I've finished volume one now. I'm glad I read it. It's the first book I've read where the plot is progressed by the use of letters.
I thought it was a pretty effective device. It may seem a strange analogy but it reminded me of watching a 'Soap' or listening to The Archers.
Gill wrote: "Well I've finished volume one now. I'm glad I read it. It's the first book I've read where the plot is progressed by the use of letters.
I thought it was a pretty effective device. It may seem ..."
Gill, you have never read 84, Charing Cross Road? I would definitely recommend it!
Leslie wrote: "Gill wrote: "Well I've finished volume one now. I'm glad I read it. It's the first book I've read where the plot is progressed by the use of letters.
I thought it was a pretty effective device...."
Oh, yes, so I have! I forgot that one. There may be more I've also forgotten! Thanks, Leslie
Mod
It's the first book I've read where the plot is progressed by the use of letters.
I thought it was a pretty effective device...."
Loved that book! And liked also the sequel ...
I was introduced to this book in a university class via the film version of it. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and bought the book soon after. It's a massive tome, and I haven't gotten around to it yet, but it's on my T.B.R.
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This is the link: http://www.theguardian.com/books/book...
I loved the quote by Samuel Johnson regarding Samuel Richardson.