November/December Group Read - The Monk

[Naomi]

This is the place for discussions of the Monk. I think I'm going to start by just having the one thread on this, but I'm definitely open to suggestions if someone thinks another format will work better, please post here or in the Feedback/Suggestions area.

I was considering having a non-spoilers and spoilers thread, so that people who hadn't read it yet could have a quick look through without fearing for spoilers, but since we are discussing the book probably most posts are going to be somewhate spoilerish, and it might not encourage the best flow. Any thoughts?

[Naomi]

This is a link to some interesting background to Matthew Gregory Lewis extracted from the Introdution of the Penguin edition of The Monk.
http://eric.b.olsen.tripod.com/lewis.html

Another link with interesting background:
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Matthew_Gregory_Lewis

[Naomi]

Okay so discussions of The Monk are now officially open! Yay, exciting!

Anyone started it yet? I started reading it last night, didn't get very far, but really liked what I read, I can see it becoming somewhat addictive.

I like how the characters are introduced in a slightly stereotypical way but with a subversive edge that is lightly hinted at.

Can't wait to read more!

[Naomi]

Ok sorry I haven't been able to chime in on discussions, I've been absolutely swamped with work! But nevermind I'm hoping to have more time over the next few days, and I'd reall like to get discussions started up again.

So tell me, has anyone read Chapter One yet? What did you think, do you think it sets the tone well for the rest of the book?

What do you think of the characters so far? Please chime in.

I haven't read much past chapter one, but you can really see the darker tones setting in.

What do you think of his portrayal of the women characters?

[Alice]

I haven't gotten to start it yet as my life is conspiring to interfere, but with a long weekend coming up I plan to dive in soon.

[Alice]

I just finished reading the first two chapters. I'd forgotten how melodramatic Gothic novels can be; so much beating of breasts and all the agonies.

I believe I'm starting to piece together how the characters are connected: Antonia, Raymond, Ambrosio and Agnes. So far it seems to be only Ambrosio who is a complete three dimensional character, although there seems to be some depth to Agnes as well.

I am very much looking forward to seeing how it all progresses.

[Alice]

Just past the half way point now and am a little surprised that I'm enjoying it as much as I am. Granted, it isn't quite what I expected, but all of the characters are taking some interesting turns.

I've really enjoyed knowing more about Ambrosio. The history of his character is quite the study of nature vs nurture.

Overall, The Monk is quite the page turner.

[Alice]

Once I got into the rhythm of his writing I really enjoyed The Monk. It didn't hold any surprises for me, but I was glad I read it.

I am definitely interesting in trying more from the Victorian Gothic genre.

[Naomi]

The Victorian Gothic genre is an awesome genre, I'd definitely recommed The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins, read it a couple of months ago and really enjoyed it, definitely have to read more by Wilkie Collins. My two favourites are Jane Eyre and Picture of Dorian Gray, obious but awesome nonetheless.
Some good contemporary gothic would by Thirteenth Tale, which I didn't find as gothic as people claimed, but still a good read and Possession : A Romance, which I loved! A.S. Byatt is a genius!

Planning to read Rebecca by Du Maurier over Christmas, excited!

[Alice]

I've been interested in The Woman in White for a while now. I will definitely have to read it this upcoming year. I also just picked up Thirteenth Tale and I already own Possession- it's on one of my Challenges in another group.

Rebecca is a great read, but I recommend Jamaica Inn if you're looking for the best of Du Maurier. It gave me chills just to read it!

[Alice]

December is winding down and new books are about to be started. Did anyone else get a chance to read The Monk during December? I'd love for you to add your thoughts if you did.