I agree with you about race in this one. It’s not the anvil-like affair you see in a lot of Southern books, definitely; it’s just a part of the family’s life, and not too big a part as to seem unrealistic. I did enjoy it! Just not as much as I might have if I liked Southern literature. (Alas.)

I read a review about The Moonstone a while back, and it sounded pretty good. I’ll just have to bite the bullet and do it!

I will definitely have to be on the lookout for Sabatini– maybe put some on my xmas list!

Ahh, Dumas is an all time favorite. I think I actually almost cried at the end of The Knight of Maison Rouge. Have you ever read it?

I liked The Moonstone much better than The Woman in White – maybe try that one?

I love Dumas and Haggard, though for some reason I’ve avoided Stevenson. Have you ever read Rafael Sabatini’s books? He writes totally swashbuckling adventure stories. Or P.C. Wren? His ones are set in the French Foreign Legion – so much fun! Beau Geste is a good place to start with him.

I haven’t read The Help, though I’ve heard nothing but nice things about it. It’s on my list but I suspect it’s going to be a good long while before I get around to reading it. I’ll be interested to see what you think of it!

Ugh, LiA, ugh. I also had to read As I Lay Dying for a class once and have since pushed it from my mind. I don’t know, I just can’t find them all that interesting– they don’t hold my attention.

I really want to try another Collins. I read Woman in White and really got into about 1/3 of it but the rest of it was pretty ‘eh’ to me. It seems like he has quite a few other fabulous books out there– maybe I’ll just have to choose a shorter one this time ;p

When it comes to classics I am much more partial to adventure novels a la Dumas, Haggard, and Stevenson. I need to break out of my shell!

Oh, I avoid Faulkner like crazy. Cannot stand Faulkner, and I am not just saying that because when I read Light in August, it was the second book I’d read that year where a woman got dismembered miserably in a tense racial environment. I haven’t liked Dickens so far but I am hoping that this will someday change, and I absolutely loved Collins (to my surprise).

I agree with you though, depression novels just aren’t my thing, namely The Grapes of Wrath and all other things written by Steinbeck. I also try to avoid Faulkner. They just aren’t my cup of tea. I wish I did– they have so many classics. This is not to say that I dislike all Southern lit though– I really enjoy Twain and (if you consider her so) O’Connor.

Dickens and Collins also fall into my avoid list, but I try to give everything a chance.

Great review!

Violent Femmes are here for you.

Yes, the Color Purple is another exception (as is Beloved), but I suppose I have those filed away in my mind as African-American fiction. And, yes, it’s nuance that’s lacking in the racial discussions. The lived experience was much more complicated than many books make it seem.

I grew up just a couple of hours away from where Edgerton’s books are set, and when I first read his books, it was as if he’d visited my grandmother’s house and taken notes. Absolutely spot-on.

Have you read The Help? I have a feeling my book club is going to choose it as an upcoming read, and I’m reluctant for all the reasons I’ve mentioned.