The Classics Challenge - Not Quite Achieved!

I was really excited and eager to join in the 2008 Classics Challenge hosted by Trish but unfortunately I did not complete the challenge by the end of December 2008.
I did manage to read Wuthering Heights and A Room With A View as well as a future or "should be" classic - Small Island.
I think the time of the year didn't help me - I found I really struggled to read classic novels during the second half of the year when life was a little crazy and hectic - I found myself reaching for "easier", less taxing reads to get me through! So, I would really like to join in this challenge again if it is going to be held again in 2009 - there are many books in this classification I am still very keen to read - just when the time is right!

Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

I have never read Wuthering Heights before which is why I wanted to make it one of my selections for The Classics Challenge. I have read Jane Eyre several times and love it and I have always thought I "should" read Wuthering Heights - I mean, how differently can two sisters write?? As it turns out - very differently!

I started out very optimistically with Wuthering Heights - I was enjoying the narrative and hearing about the Catherine and Heathcliff story - and then it just turned a little too strange and dark for me. I understand that this is a Gothic novel in many respects and as such you've got to to expect a little darkness but I felt dragged down by this story at the end and I found myself feeling angry and hostile towards the storyline and the characters.

I also can't understand this novel being referred to as a love story! I didn't come across a whole lot of love in my reading and interpretation - a lot of violence, neglect, torture (both psychological and physical) and pain but not a lot of love.

Maybe I'm missing the point but I think I'm ok with that. I would love to hear how others have responded to this book.

On to my next Classic!

Classics Challenge Meme

Thanks to Trish for suggesting this meme - something to tempt our classics tastebuds before the challenge begins!

1. My favorite classic is either Jane Eyre By Charlotte Bronte or Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen - please don't make me pick a sole winner!

2. The classic I had the toughest time finishing is a number too large to mention I think! I remember struggling hugely with Jane Austen when at high school but somehow when I got to University I "got it" and now she is my favourite author. I can't think of any classics titles off the top of my head at the moment for this question but I know I have a lot of trouble with books that have HUGE descriptive content rather than focusing on character.

3. I would recommend any Jane Austen book to someone who doesn't like/read classics. I think Jane Austen novels are fun, character driven and still relevant in a lot of ways to today's society.
I would also recommend a book called Classics - Books For Life By Jane Gleeson-White. The author talks about 62 books she sees as the classics of literature and within the book famous authors also list and talk about their favourite classics. I have found this book to be a helpful guide when choosing classics to delve into.

4. To me, a classic book is one that moves the reader and stands the test of time. I think a classic should be readable across time and (hopefully, culture and society). A classic is a book you want to go back to again and again.

5. The type of relationship I have with classics is as an in awe friend! I would like to say I have an "equal" relationship/friendship with the classics but I know this is not the case. I often struggle to read books labeled as classics but I find the journey rewarding when I give it a go.