[Kolya]

Who could have predicted that TSR Book Club's first read would be such an amazing success? We were thrust into the throws of a Karamazovian passion and were forced to rethink our views on religion, philosophy, fatherhood and justice. The enthralling majesty of the book compelled dozens of the book club's readers to lust for another brooding Russian read. However, due to the sensitive constitutions of some of our members, it was thought best to take a brief interlude from Russian literature to enjoy a French digression, and thus:

The second book to receive our critical consideration will be Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.

The discussion will run from 19/4/08 until 2/5/08. Hopefully two weeks is long enough for you to buy the book and read it. Please offer your thoughts on the book while you are reading it and discuss with others when you are finished; however, be considerate and use spoilers.

If there are any queries about buying the book, or problems with the length of time allocated to the book's discussion, then please do voice them. We will choose the next book when this discussion draws to a close. Remember, if you enjoy participating, tell your acquaintances about the club!

Enjoyable reading.

Regards,
K.

[Kolya]

I am reading the Penguin translation: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/0...pf_rd_i=468294

The only other complete translation that I can find is by Wordsworth Classics, and published in two volumes. Be warned that the green Penguin edition is heavily abridged.

[brimstone]

Two weeks to read Les Miserables? ^o) Isn't is over a thousand pages?! You won't get many people this time, especially this close to exams!

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by brimstone

Two weeks to read Les Miserables? ^o) Isn't is over a thousand pages?!

Yes, my copy has 1232 pages. However, I think it is important to read novels reasonably quickly, so that one can more easily consider the novel as a whole.

Originally Posted by brimstone

You won't get many people this time, especially this close to exams!

Ah, but what better reason could there be to read the book than that? With the pressure of the exams, why not relax before bed by transporting yourself to early-C19 France for a couple of hours? You can forget the stressful exams by escaping into the powerful story that Hugo has weaved.

[FrenchGal]

Oh, I read that aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages ago. Was about 14 the first time, I think I've read a couple of times, maybe more.

Marius is a wimp, by the way

Best character ever: Javert.

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by FrenchGal

Oh, I read that aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaages ago. Was about 14 the first time, I think I've read a couple of times, maybe more.

You read it in French?

[Angelil]

I think you'll struggle to get people to be able to read it in two weeks.

And I think you mean 'throes', by the way

Good luck, though - it is a great book

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by Angelil

I think you'll struggle to get people to be able to read it in two weeks.

And I think you mean 'throes', by the way

Good luck, though - it is a great book

Thanks for the correction. I am a little over a third of the way through and an enjoying it immensely. Have you read it in French? According to the translator's notes, his use of language was extremely extravagant - Hugo sometimes attaches ten adjectives to a noun! - making it difficult to translate the book into readable English.

[Angelil]

I am reading it in French - probably why it's taking me so long to get through it along with being worked like a dog for the past two terms. But even in English I don't think I'd get through it in 2 weeks (and I'm a fast reader).

Love Hugo generally though. He also wrote a lot of excellent poetry.

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by Angelil

I am reading it in French - probably why it's taking me so long to get through it along with being worked like a dog for the past two terms. But even in English I don't think I'd get through it in 2 weeks (and I'm a fast reader).

Considering the intimacy of the book club, it's not a problem if the time spent on the book is extended. I have exam revision as well, but I aim to read for an hour per night; I find it is a good way to relax at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, not many people have been participating in the book club. Perhaps it would be best to choose a shorter book as the next one to read, in an attempt to increase interest.

[Wangers]

Originally Posted by Kolya

Considering the intimacy of the book club, it's not a problem if the time spent on the book is extended. I have exam revision as well, but I aim to read for an hour per night; I find it is a good way to relax at the end of the day.

Unfortunately, not many people have been participating in the book club. Perhaps it would be best to choose a shorter book as the next one to read, in an attempt to increase interest.

Unfortunatly, to my great surprise and pleasure - something which I ordered months ago from the BL document service has actually materialised. It also happens to be 1000+ pages and I've only got it until the 29th. So I'm rushing through that at the momment.

If only there were 48 hours in the day eh?

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by Wangers

Unfortunatly, to my great surprise and pleasure - something which I ordered months ago from the BL document service has actually materialised. It also happens to be 1000+ pages and I've only got it until the 29th. So I'm rushing through that at the momment.

If only there were 48 hours in the day eh?

Did you manage to finish TBK? I hope you're able to join in with the next book that we read. For promotional purposes, I think it best we choose a book with less than 300 pages!

[FrenchGal]

Originally Posted by Kolya

You read it in French?

Well, yeah. But I learnt how to read in French, so that's nothing to brag about It's all in my username: I'm French

[wizard710]

Sorry but why should I waste time reading the 1000 pages of the book when I could watch the stage show.

[Kolya]

Originally Posted by wizard710

Sorry but why should I waste time reading the 1000 pages of the book when I could watch the stage show.

Unless the musical involves substantial narration and soliloquies where the philosophical, historical and moral aspects in the work are discussed, the book has greater depth and wealth than the musical could ever possess. You give the impression that you think Les Mis is just a story, but it is much more than that.

[wizard710]

Oh right, ok then I may read it one day then.

[Wangers]

Originally Posted by Kolya

Unless the musical involves substantial narration and soliloquies where the philosophical, historical and moral aspects in the work are discussed, the book has greater depth and wealth than the musical could ever possess. You give the impression that you think Les Mis is just a story, but it is much more than that.

Philosophical and moral discussion

[Kolya]

I have nearly finished, so I think it would be best if we start thinking about the next book. What would the book club like to read? Should we use an open nomination and poll?

[Kolya]

Thoughts? Books I have on my shelf at the moment include Moby Dick, Dead Souls, and Ulysses; however, I am open to any suggestion of a book that a member would like to read with me. (I'm putting in an Amazon order in a couple of days, so I can order the chosen book then.)

[Cez_Libertines99]

How about Heart of Darkness