I would 100% say Money by Martin Amis because it is so prescient, and cuts clean to the heart of what society has become so much about... It was perhaps even more prophetic than it realized. It has that mythic plus societal dimension and was hugely influential, even if it is now (I think) out of fashion...
Absolutely not too long ago! I have to confess I haven't read the book, but was recommended it before on a writing course I attended, so maybe it's time to try it…thank you, Laura! 😀
So while I think....Adrian Gurvitz ...I knew it rang a bell when I read your title...was it your tutor? Or some esoteric writer I should have read? Oh no, it's that song! I bought it too!
This is a great challenge, Kate, will put my thinking cap on. But now all I have in my head is that bothersome song (I did love it, once upon a time...)
I hope I’m not too late for the party, but I will go ahead anyway with the suggestion. A.S. Byatt’s “Possession.” Dickensian plot twists, modern sensibilities, jokes about grad students (if I remember rightly), and a profound question answered in a satisfying way. Plus a delightful voice.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon it’s part one of a four book collection. It’s about the library of lost books, Barcelona & the Spanish Civil War & ultimately goodness in a bad world.
Rohinton Mistry’s A Fine Balance, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, Bulgakov’s Master and Margarita. I will try Middlesex based on these comments!
So, as is the way with challenges such as this, titles keep telling me that they should be included.
I’d also go with Alan Hollinghurst for landmark classics of queer lit. Difficult to pick one out of his list though…so I’ll go (probably) with The Swimming Pool Library for the twentieth century as a landmark moment. And then…I’ll go with The Stranger’s Child for the twenty first century.
Thanks, I think that surely crime giants like Conan-Doyle and Christie should be included as classics, given that their characters have become part of the cultural landscape. Although, I did study a Sherlock story as an undergraduate, so maybe they already are!
Another book I'd highly commend would be Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. Although it's a non-fiction crime book, the hybrid way it is written is quite remarkable. I would highly recommend it!
I suppose that some mid 20th century novels have already reached classic status...I love Brideshead Revisited, The End of the Affair, ...I would add Byatt's Possession, Le Carre's George Smiley series, Wolf Hall, Atonement, and from the US, Americana and Poisonwood Bible..
To kill a mockingbird
Another excellent choice!
100% agree with Jeffrey Eugenides, both Middlesex and The Virgin Suicides. When is he going to write another novel anyway?!?
A few others that come to mind are The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro and Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier.
I remember liking Eugenides’ “The Marriage Plot.” Wasn’t he going to write a sequel?
Ooh, I don't know! I haven't actually read that one.
Thanks, Jodi! Great choices 😀
Love this! Longing to see what people suggest.
I would 100% say Money by Martin Amis because it is so prescient, and cuts clean to the heart of what society has become so much about... It was perhaps even more prophetic than it realized. It has that mythic plus societal dimension and was hugely influential, even if it is now (I think) out of fashion...
Too long ago to qualify?
Absolutely not too long ago! I have to confess I haven't read the book, but was recommended it before on a writing course I attended, so maybe it's time to try it…thank you, Laura! 😀
Can I say American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld?
Oh, yes! I love Curtis Sittenfeld's writing! Thanks, Lindsay 😀
I would vote for Ursula K. LeGuin's "Dispossessed" because she's shown us utopias are no longer tenable...
An excellent suggestion- and such a brilliant writer! Thanks for sharing :)
So while I think....Adrian Gurvitz ...I knew it rang a bell when I read your title...was it your tutor? Or some esoteric writer I should have read? Oh no, it's that song! I bought it too!
Oh, dear…we should start a fan club, haha! I bet #AdrianGurvitz has never trended online before…
So much facial hair!!!!
This is a great challenge, Kate, will put my thinking cap on. But now all I have in my head is that bothersome song (I did love it, once upon a time...)
Thanks, Ann…and I’m so sorry…I’ve had it in my head all weekend…
Haha, I know what that’s like Kate. We should sue those pesky songwriters.
I hope I’m not too late for the party, but I will go ahead anyway with the suggestion. A.S. Byatt’s “Possession.” Dickensian plot twists, modern sensibilities, jokes about grad students (if I remember rightly), and a profound question answered in a satisfying way. Plus a delightful voice.
You are never too late, Ted! Yes, Possession should surely be awarded future classic status for its sheer scope and complexities.
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon it’s part one of a four book collection. It’s about the library of lost books, Barcelona & the Spanish Civil War & ultimately goodness in a bad world.
That sounds amazing! I haven't come across that before. Thanks 😊
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, it is a beautifully written, culturally enriching masterpiece.
Nancy Mitford's Love in a Cold Climate which is already something of a classic in my view.
But there are so many, so, so, many.
I agree, June; so many! Half of a Yellow Sun is a really good choice though :)
What a great question to kickstart the brain cells this morning. Together with a bit of 80s music with my first cup of tea. Brilliant!
Haha, those 80s classics…glad to have provided some morning inspiration ; )
Rohinton Mistry’s A Fine Balance, A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole, Bulgakov’s Master and Margarita. I will try Middlesex based on these comments!
Ooh, I haven't read any of these! Thank you, Rachel 😀
First one that comes to mind is “Happening” by Annie Ernaux!
Oh, yes! Annie Ernaux must surely make it in!
So…I’d go with Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard for the twentieth century. If you don’t know it yet, I can’t recommend it highly enough.
I see other people have gone for Eugenides. I’d second him for Middlesex.
Thanks, Nicolas! I haven't read anything by Shirley Hazzard, sounds like I'm missing out! Will add it to my list.
Middlesex seems very popular here! 😀
So, as is the way with challenges such as this, titles keep telling me that they should be included.
I’d also go with Alan Hollinghurst for landmark classics of queer lit. Difficult to pick one out of his list though…so I’ll go (probably) with The Swimming Pool Library for the twentieth century as a landmark moment. And then…I’ll go with The Stranger’s Child for the twenty first century.
Cheating, I guess, but hey…
Ha! We don’t mind cheating, Nicolas ; ) I’ve been recommended The Swimming Pool Library twice recently, so I’m going to have to read that one soon!
I am a crime fiction fan so Conan-Doyle’s tithe Empty House gets me every time as it’s the one when we find out that Sherlock has survived.
Thanks, I think that surely crime giants like Conan-Doyle and Christie should be included as classics, given that their characters have become part of the cultural landscape. Although, I did study a Sherlock story as an undergraduate, so maybe they already are!
Another book I'd highly commend would be Truman Capote's In Cold Blood. Although it's a non-fiction crime book, the hybrid way it is written is quite remarkable. I would highly recommend it!
I suppose that some mid 20th century novels have already reached classic status...I love Brideshead Revisited, The End of the Affair, ...I would add Byatt's Possession, Le Carre's George Smiley series, Wolf Hall, Atonement, and from the US, Americana and Poisonwood Bible..
These are all worthy suggestions, Sarah! Byatt's Possession is an unbelievable feat of literature.