* Dubliners - by James Joyce
This is a book of short stories taking place in Dublin, Ireland, at the begining of the 20th century . I have never ever read bad critics about this, it's a master piece of realism and on a cultural level, it provides you with a very interesting range of details about the period in the different social classes ... If you like " sociology" read this !
It's composed of 14 short stories, it's quite easy to read, and will teach you some Irish English slang as well ! Chose an edition with some notes, they really help you to understand all the references made by James Joyce and it's the best way to fully appreciate his writting, given that you are not necessarily a dubliner who lived at the time ! ;o)
*Hamlet - by William Shakespeare
There's not a lot I can say that hasn't been said before. This is amazing . This develop so many themes ... Human condition, kinship, marriage, honour, etc ...
Well, this is a master piece. I loved it . There is a pretty good adaptation of this play for the cinema starring Kate Winslet . I think it respects the spirit of Shakespeare's writting quite accurately. But nothing like the real thing : read it ! However I would advice foreign readers to see the movie first before reading the original text, it's old English and it is easier to read when you know the story quite well beforehand .
* 1984 - by Georges Orwell
I'm not a big science fiction fan ... not my cup of tea . But this one is definitely worth reading ! The good thing about science fiction is that it usuallly delivers clear message, with symbols that average readers should be able to recognize and interprete correctly. As my cousin objected, 1984 should be considered as novel of political anticipation (there you go Ben, your opinion is famous now !).This book describes a society ruled by a single political party, drowned in a single thought, a language aiming at the reducing of vocabulary to avoid "unlawful thought" and a sort of religion ... I won't say anymore, read it if you haven't already. One more little thing : be careful, this could come true. Be careful what world you build, what person you become. You won't change the world, but you can change yourself and the little part you have to play in this world, play it well. |
