New Classics Pageturners
Have you been feeling a deficiency in your life? Perhaps you’ve wanted to explore the Greek Tragedies, or have a longing for streamof- consciousness literature? Well, look no further! In this issue, I’ll talk about the new Classics Pageturners groups at Hollywood and Hillsdale Libraries (sponsored by the Friends). Then I’ll finish up with some classics recommendations.
Evolution
Classics Pageturners evolved from a popular program called Read the Classics, which was a partnership between the Library and Reed College. In Read the Classics, Reed professors facilitated a series of book discussions around different eras of literature. Classics Pageturners is a bit different – the reading lists are diverse in style, country of origin, and date of publication, and there are some heavy hitters in this inaugural set (The Pillow Book, by Sei Shonagon, and James Joyce’s Ulysses).
The groups meet monthly, and discussions will be staff- or volunteerled, but academically rigorous. How Classics Pageturners evolves after this year will be up to the group members, but coordinators at each branch will ensure that book selections and schedules do not cross so that the participants can attend both groups without fear of repetition.
Recommendations
Persuasion
Now, for those who might prefer the lighter side of classic literature, let me recommend two books by 19th century English novelists. Persuasion, by Jane Austen, is one of the author’s lesser-known works. Eight years ago, Anne Elliot was persuaded against becoming engaged to naval Captain Frederick Wentworth because he wasn’t financially secure. As the Elliots face financial hardship and (gasp!) rent out their estate, the now rich and successful Captain Wentworth returns to the neighborhood. Anne still loves him, but can he forgive her? Knowing Jane Austen, “yes” is a safe bet.
The Moonstone
Another cracking good read is The Moonstone, by Wilkie Collins. Considered to be the first English detective novel, it was published in serial form (completed over several issues of a magazine). Told in rotating first person narratives, the story revolves around the theft of the Moonstone, a mysterious yellow diamond. My favorite narrator is Gabriel Betteredge, an opinionated geriatric servant who is obsessed with Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe and periodically catches “detective fever” as the story unfolds. There are many twists and turns before all is resolved, but I think that Betteredge’s voice is more than worth the price of admission.
To find more information about Classics Pageturners at Hollywood and Hillsdale Libraries (and the more established Quarterly Classics group at Capitol Hill Library) enter the keyword “classics” into Event Finder.
