The challenge is to answer the following prompt:
Please highlight one of your favorite books and why you would consider it "literary."
One of my favorite books is Joseph and His Brothers by Thomas Mann. Aside from the fact that Mann was a Nobel winner and that this is considered to be one of his finest books, I believe it to be literary because the language is so extraordinary (granted I read a translation) and the themes are universal. It's a difficult and slow book to read and yet I was disappointed to finish because while I was reading I felt transported. It was a mind-opening experience. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to review this book for The Historical Novels Review. It was an editors' choice back in 2005, so my full review is available here (scroll down.)
It certainly is bittersweet to finish a book that has moved you so much... There's always a feeling of accomplishment, of knowing the story (esp if it was a difficult or slow read), but then you enjoy it so much you really don't want to finish!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this book before, but I think books that make you feel something and give you something to take away make the whole reading/reviewing thing worthwhile :)
ReplyDeleteI have Mann's Buddenbrooks near the top of my tbr pile, but haven't heard of Joseph and His Brothers. Am off to read you review - thanks.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm impressed! I've heard that Joseph and His Brothers is even better than In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. Mann's writing is DIFFICULT. I read Doctor Faustus and it was incredibly written but took a lot of concentration. WELL worth the effort, though. I'm glad that you chose this book, Susan! Thanks so much for participating!
ReplyDeleteMagic Mountain is one of my favorite books of all time. I have Joseph and His Brothers on my bookshelf, and have been waiting for that perfect time to read it. Your love for this book really comes through in your post. I too love to immerse myself in a long, big book. Then when you have to tear yourself away from that world it can be painful. But rereading is usually better than reading something the first time around, so there's always that!
ReplyDeleteI've never read Mann, so thanks for bringing him up. I think I'll go check out your full review...sounds like a great reading experience.
ReplyDeleteYou define your blog as a literary blog by joining in the literary blog hop. I'd certainly consider Mann a writer of literary works.
ReplyDeleteWould you consider your book, the book you wrote, literary fiction? And, if so, why?
Just curious.
I'm a new follower!
I wouldn't define mine as literary. While I certainly tried to write "well," I make no claims to write beautifully. And while there are themes underlying the storyline, they aren't particularly subtle or complex. I read widely. I love to write. But I know my limitations!
ReplyDeleteI'd never heard of this one. Thanks for sharing! :-)
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