I am drawn to re-read certain books on a very regular basis.
I always read Hardy's Jude the Obscure once a year. It is such a depressing book; maybe it's that which makes me feel so much better once the final page is turned.
Stella Gibbons' Cold Comfort Farm is another that I re-read regularly (I've just finished it for the 100th time).
But perhaps the book I return to the most often is Evelyn Waugh's Decline and Fall. My ancient 1937 Penguin copy is falling apart from over usage; it requires some serious mending.
The book, which was dedicated to Harold Acton, contains this Author's Note (below), which, frankly, I would have thought somewhat superfluous.
I have never read it - perhaps I should put it on my reading list.
ReplyDeleteIt's typical Waugh; I'm sure you'd find it amusing.
ReplyDeleteThis is something that I do too - I have a shelf of books that are 'keepers' and far too good to read only once. I can't say that I have ever read Waugh - maybe it's time.
ReplyDeleteI have to have a regular Jude the Obscure fix. The rest of the time I beat myself with sticks.
ReplyDeleteAs did Jude.... but he WAS a stone cutter.
DeleteI remeber reading Handful of dust, (in Hebrew of course).It was in my parents liberary snd I used to read their books which i not always understood.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why Jude the Obscure is so depressing is because it is about a stonemason. I've never read it.
ReplyDeleteI love all Waugh.s books and have them - like you - in paperback - hence they are all falling apart from over reading. They are all gradually taking on that yellow look too. As for Jude the Obscure - I am afraid I have never been a Hardy fan - probably something about being made to study it for an exam whether I liked it or not.
ReplyDeleteI love Thomas Hardy and 'Jude the Obscure ' is my favourite, I really felt for him.
ReplyDeleteBriony
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We have over 400 books in our library including a nice copy of Jude the Obscure, but I have admit I have never read it. Perhaps someday when I am deeply depressed.
ReplyDelete'Jane Eyre' immediately leaps to mind. Been in love with that over-the-top melodrama since my teens. My copy, although not as ragged as your 'Decline and Fall' is very tattered.
ReplyDeleteAlso frequently pick up 'Under the Tuscan Sun.'
Good reading.