When you look at lists of bestselling novels, and then at lists of what the “greatest novels” are, you don’t see as much overlap as you do in other media. It seems as though when it comes to those GOAT lists, people seem way more concerned with magnitude as works of literature as art, when in reality the kinds of books you’re taught in school won’t as often be the kinds of books people choose to buy and read. As much as reading is viewed as an “intellectual” hobby by society, I don’t think most readers are as concerned with that side of it, and often will even read stuff they know is trashy. Which is great! As long as people are reading, in a time when reading seems to be going away, it can only be a good thing. But that being said, having combed through some such lists, I’m wondering which books people consider to maximize both sides, being exciting and engaging reads while also being immensely powerful and well written as works of art. So for instance a Colleen Hoover novel may not be atop many people’s lists of contemporary masterpieces, but Ulysses won’t exactly be something people are addicted to and can’t stop themselves from devouring. What books hit that sweet spot between the two arenas in the best way?
Both are more than 600 pages, and its still a page turners:
Came here to see Perfume! 🙏
Im reading Monte Cristo right now, and the Paris setting in the middle is really quite boring compared to the first 250 pages …
Yeah I’m at the Paris section now too and have had it on hold for months. A good book but definitely not a page turner.
I put it down at the Rome part with Luigi Vampa and honestly didn’t come back to it for probably a year.
In the end I’d say I enjoyed the book but not nearly as much as I expected given the amount of praise it gets.
I’m in the exact same spot right now. Glad I’m not the only one. Based on the other comment, maybe it’s worth pushing through. I kinda gave up for a minute there.
Interesting to hear someone is also in the same predicament! I suppose it’s worth pressing ahead
you’re in for a ride! don’t give up on the book, it gets insanely good and just…mindblowing. at least for me. keep me updated and have fun reading!
Thanks! I’ll keep pushing
Honestly, I thought the book peaked in the first 350 pages and would have been better had it ended after a certain major event in the novel.
Yes, the middle of the book is a bit of a slog since it doesn’t really tell you directly what’s going on, but once the pieces start clicking together it’s a wild ride to the end
That’s funny… I’m also reading, also in Paris (the stories about Luigi the shepard), and also thinking the exact same thing. I couldn’t put it down up to this point, but it’s starting to feel like a chore. I’ll stick with it though.
This is a great read. Though its (many) sequels seem a bit rushed, formulaic. Sticking very closely to the formula of the original, they seem meant to cash in on the first book’s success.
Still, Pillars of the Earth is very good.
Should I read it? I hear it’s his best book. Follett gets a lot of shit but I find that criticism very elitist. He’s a good pop writer, I liked The third twin.