What books have you read that have been hyped as literary and, in your opinion, were not?
So I don’t know why this book didn’t pop in my head immediately, but it should have because I’ve complained about it enough. Atonement by Ian McEwan! I read it about a year ago and I remember being very excited about it at the time. My mother recommended it to me because it was one of those books that everyone was talking about as “will definitely be a future classic” and she knew I was a re-born classic enthusiast. She said the language and descriptive text was beautiful. The story was breathtaking. And so on…so perfect fit right? Wrong. I was not a fan. Maybe I’m the only one but I thought it was simply trying too hard to be literary and “classic.” Maybe it was because at that time I was reading actual classics but it just rang completely false to me, I don’t know. But I found myself rolling my eyes throughout most of the book. Needless to say, I’m not picking up another McEwan anytime in the near future.
7 comments:
I, too, hate _Atonement_...love the movie, though!
I do think McEwan has a beautiful way of writing, but I didn't like Atonement either. You're not alone!
I do agree the writer was trying too hard, probably. I like my literary reads to be written effortless.
interesting answer--I never finished Atonement myself, but I'm not sure I'd put it down (for me, personally) because it wasn't literary.
This does seem like a love it or hate it kind of book. I agree with you -- it was so hyped and I found it really underwhelming. An interesting story but it didn't have the impact I felt it was supposed to have.
not read, just didn't appeal, nothing to do with it's perceived merit, just didn't appeal.
I have also heard the hype surrounding Atonement, but I've never read it. From the sounds of it, I might be better off just watching the movie.
Hooray, finally some people who didn't love Atonement! It was a nice enough novel but hardly the lit classic everyone swears it is.
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