The Things That Matter was more interesting than I thought it would be. The segments I enjoyed least were the Middlemarch and Between the Acts pieces. Middlemarch because I haven’t read it in more than 25 years and only barely remember it. Between the Acts because I have not read it at all. It did make me want to re-read Wuthering Heights, which is not something I’ve ever felt the desire to do. And also Mrs Dalloway but that’s not unusual since I often think I want to re-read Mrs Dalloway.
Analyzing novels with an eye to the various “stages of life” was interesting. I didn’t always agree, but I did find all of the author’s ideas interesting.
I haven’t read any of those classics…guess I won’t be picking this one up any time soon.
The Amazon comments indicate you’ll like the book better if you’ve read the novels it discusses. I’m torn on that. I think it might be equally interesting to read this and then read the novels.
Have you really not read ANY of them. Wait, you’ve read Jane Eyre (I didn’t list all of the books he talked about). Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre, Middlemarch, Mrs Dalloway, To the Lighthouse and Between the Acts. (You should read Mrs Dalloway)
I *haven’t* read Jane Eyre. I just bought it at the booksale the other week. I bought Wuthering Heights as well. I was on the lookout for Mrs. Dalloway or other Woolf but I think Kate S. grabbed a lion’s share of them. 😉 That’s what I get for going to a booksale late.