I came across this article which made me laugh (and wince) – and I thought its honesty was certainly “keepin’ it real.” Critics, and then readers (for the comments are worth reading), come out with the classic books they hated reading. Leave it to book lovers to be eloquent trash talkers.
I was chagrined to see a couple of my favourites ruthlessly skewered (though I understand why), though I was delighted to see Joyce face the music.
Do you have a book that’s frequently praised (by the academy or the media) that you hated?
Omg, that article made me laugh.
My book nemesis has always been Great Expectations. I’ve tried reading it at least half a dozen times, but each time quit a few pages sooner. Every single character in that book is whiny, it drives me nuts.
I’ve actually never managed to finish anything Dickensian, though not for lack of trying. I own copies of David Copperfield, Oliver, and A Tale of Two Cities but haven’t gotten past the first few pages in any of them.