There have been so many good books over the years. The first thing that comes to mind is that they are memorable. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; The Lord of the Rings; 1984 by George Orwell; Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.
I've read theses books, not for a long time now, but I still remember them. The characters seeped into your soul and stayed there, suddenly emerging when you remember a particular scene. The setting put you right into the story. You were there - in the jungle, or in the future or back in the nineteenth century. The plot was gripping. Dialogue worked for the story and the theme. It moved you through the story. And you had to keep turning the pages. The ending stayed with you, whether it was a HEA or the shock of finding yourself right back where you started.
I think all theses things combined, and woven together almost invisibly make a good, even great novel.And yes there are good novels today. I just finished one by Loreth Anne White,- In the Waning Light, where she kept me turning the pages and left an imprint on my memory.
Now off to see what the rest of the group has to say.
Judith Copek http://lynx-sis.blogspot.com
Skye Taylor http://www.skye-writer.com/blogging_by_the_sea
Dr. Bob Rich http://wp.me/p3Xihq-I4
Victoria Chatham http://victoriachatham.blogspot.ca
Helena Fairfax http://helenafairfax.com/
Marci Baun http://www.marcibaun.com/blog/
Rachael Kosinski http://rachaelkosinski.weebly.com/
Connie Vines http://connievines.blogspot.com/Rhobin Courtright http://www.rhobinleecourtright.com
It's been surprising the number of novels brought back to mind in reading these posts. It makes me wonder what marvels I've missed because there are so many still unread out there!
ReplyDeleteWe can only rad so many of the great books. But you're right - what have we missed in those books we haven't read.
DeleteRhobin is right. Mentions of so many beloved books makes me want to read them all again. Nice post. You are so right about the characters seeping into our heads and staying there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy. I agree about rereading the favorites, but so many mentioned books I haven't read.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions, Beverley. I haven't read them all, but I remember very vividly being horrified and terrified by The Lord of the Flies. Still am, Anne Stenhouse
ReplyDeleteI remember that one. I agree with your reaction. That's not one I plan on rereading. :)
DeleteHave heard so many good things about The Waning Light. I've afraid my TBR list grows! Anne, quite agree with you about The Lord of the Flies. It was one of those books that I wouldn't read at night. Beverley, you mentioned 1984 and that made me search out my very worn copy of Animal Farm. Even the animals were great characters. I have to say I think our Round Robin group is a well read and very interesting group.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, our group appears to be well read and interesting. There were so many good posts on memorable novels and I added a few more to my TBR pile.
DeleteI loved your list of books, Beverley. I've read them nearly all (apart from Heart of Darkness) and totally agree they are powerful reads. There have been some great suggestions of memorable books in this Round Robin. I'll add Conrad's novel to my list!
ReplyDeleteHi Helene, I agree there have been some great suggestions from the group. So many books - so little time. :)
DeleteRhobin is right. Mentions of so many beloved books makes me want to read them all again. You are so right about the characters remaining with us long after we have finished a novel.
ReplyDelete