Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

A Memorable Protagonist:
What makes for a memorable Protagonist, could it be they are interesting, have all-too-human flaws and maybe larger-than-life qualities?
Are they someone you can relate to?
Are they complex, do their desires, struggles, failings, successes, and contradictions keep you from putting this Classic down?

This month we are probing into this character type. Here are some suggestions from our Members:

The OnionEaters
a novel in which an extraordinarily endowed young man named Clayton Claw Cleaver Clementine comes to take possession of an ancient castle on the rocky coast of Ireland.

The Raven
a narrative poem by American writer Edgar Allan Poe. The poem is often noted for its musicality, stylized language, and supernatural atmosphere. It tells of a distraught lover who is paid a mysterious visit by a talking raven.

Clayhanger
The Clayhanger Family is a triology. This coming-of-age story set in the Midlands of Victorian England follows Edwin Clayhanger as he leaves school, takes over the family business and falls in love.

Our Friend the Charlatan
Despite being born to a working-class family, Dyce Lashmar -- the 'charlatan' of the book's title -- has been lucky enough to wrangle a top-shelf college education. But his high hopes and ambitions crash to earth with a resounding thud!

What Protagonist read are you hoping to read this month?
Please share the title and any comments along the way that may entice another to read as well!!

For this, I thought I would read instead To Serve Them All My Days by R.F. Delderfield.

Sandy wrote: "Since Clayhanger was (I think) my suggestion for this genre, I’d like to offer a word of clarification. The novels about Edwin Clayhanger do in fact comprise a trilogy which, in turn..."

It is ok if it is a single read for this month. Just letting others know that it is a triology. I appreciate the clarification. I did not explain it well.

Chrissie wrote: "For this, I thought I would read instead To Serve Them All My Days by R.F. Delderfield."

That looks very interesting Chrissie!

Excellent! I will enjoy reading again the Onion Eaters and the Raven.

Bernard wrote: "Excellent! I will enjoy reading again the Onion Eaters and the Raven."

I have not read the Raven since I was in high school...just a few years ago.

I've read the Bennett trilogy and Clayhanger is my favourite by far.

I think once I finish the book I am reading, I am going to read The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton with Lily Bart as the protagonist.

Here are a couple well known female protagonist that might get us thinking about another you might want to indulge in:

1. Lizzie Bennett of Pride and Prejudice
2. Karen Blixen of Out of Africa
3. Jo March of Little Women
4. Tess Durbeyfield of Tess of the D’Urbervilles
5. Rebecca Manderley of Rebecca

Lesle wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "For this, I thought I would read instead To Serve Them All My Days by R.F. Delderfield."

That looks very interesting Chrissie!"

It was Rosemarie who recommended both the author and the book to me. I thought it would fit this thread.

In keeping with this theme, and combining it with another group read I'm doing Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens.

Sounds good Gilbert and welcome!

Becky Sharp in Vanity Fair is definitely a memorable protagonist!

Gobo in Bambi: A Life in the Woods

Gobo is not the main character, so maybe I am wrong to list Gobo.
Of course Bambi would be the protagonist, and he is an excellent one too. But we are talking about memorable and I don't think the spot light gets place on Gobo enough. (Especially since Disney thought that Bambi had too many adult themes to actually make his movie based on the story of the book.)

Piggie in Lord of the Flies the Best!!

Prince Myshkin in The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Harriet in Harriet the Spy

Some of my favourite protagonists:
Anne Eliot in Persuasion,
Alyosha Karamazov in The Brothers Karamazov
Lizzy Hexam in Our Mutual Friend

Lesle wrote: "I think once I finish the book I am reading, I am going to read The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton with Lily Bart as the protagonist."

Like anyone else....I have changed my mind!

16 - Clarissa Dalloway, Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf, 1925

I have not read this one and found it on the 100 Best Character List.

Hello everyone,

I think I’ll go with one of Lesle’s suggestions and try House of Mirth by Edith Wharton … once I finish my Husky book (The Possessed by Dostoevsky) …

Happy reading all!

Bonita

Good Morning Bonita!
(secret 😉 one of my favorite first names)

I think you will really like Lily's character and her struggles with what life brings to her.

Are the books chosen those mentioned in message 1.

Or are we choosing more?

Actually I have two, both from the Moomins world

1) Moomintroll, in eg Comet in Moominland

2) Moominpappa, in eg Moominpappa at sea

Moomintroll has the freshness and charm of youth. But Moominpappa, although burdened with the care of his family, still has his enthusiasms, and will set off on an adventure at a drop of his top hat.

Those books are just suggestions, Chrissie, if you need help choosing a book. You can share a book of your choice too.

Thanks, for explaining, Rosemarie.

Doesn't R.F. Delderfield´s To Serve Them All My Days fit? Doesn't David Powlett-Jones fit the bill as a memorable protagonist? However, since the book is very long, I want to stick in another by Alfred Döblin first--the nonfiction Journey to Poland. I was so terribly impressed by Berlin Alexanderplatz: The Story of Franz Biberkopf.

Chrissie wrote: "Doesn't R.F. Delderfield´s To Serve Them All My Days fit? Doesn't David Powlett-Jones fit the bill as a memorable protagonist? Ho..."

Chrissie whatever protagonist you would like to read and share is fine. Hope you enjoy your pick!

The Delderfield book is a good choice, Chrissie.

Rosemarie and Lesle, it will b my next book. Thanks for your help!

Lesle wrote: "I think once I finish the book I am reading, I am going to read The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton with Lily Bart as the protagonist."

I really loved that book.

Chad wrote: "Lesle wrote: "I think once I finish the book I am reading, I am going to read The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton with Lily Bart as the protagonist."

I really loved that b..."

I did too and was up for a re-read but decided to read Mrs. Dalloway since I havent read it before.

I'm reading a book for our Two Italos which has one of the most memorable protagonists ever-The Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino.

Rosemarie wrote: "I'm reading a book for our Two Italos which has one of the most memorable protagonists ever-The Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino."

I downloaded the first book in that series a few days ago. I’ve read nothing by the author.

I would throw into the mix, Lonesome Dove. I read it last year and, for me, it contains multiple memorable protagonists.

The second book is completely different from the first, Chad. Both are interesting. I'll be reading the third book in the set in a couple of weeks.

Chad wrote: "I would throw into the mix, Lonesome Dove. I read it last year and, for me, it contains multiple memorable protagonists."

My favourite is Gus.

Chad wrote: "I would throw into the mix, Lonesome Dove. I read it last year and, for me, it contains multiple memorable protagonists."

I love the book, my all time favorite! So many great characters. Gus is my favorite as well. Newt for coming of age. Pea Eye, Joshua, Clara such a strong woman and Jake ever so irritating!

Did you see the series Chad?

Rosemarie wrote: "The second book is completely different from the first, Chad. Both are interesting. I'll be reading the third book in the set in a couple of weeks."

I plan on reading the rest of the series, Rosemarie. I’ll try and read that one with you.

Lesle, I have seen only the beginning of the series. I plan on watching it all soon. Maybe this week. I just need to convince my wife:)

Chad wrote: "Lesle, I have seen only the beginning of the series. I plan on watching it all soon. Maybe this week. I just need to convince my wife:)"

Oh dear! Well best wishes with that.

I read The Red Pony by Steinbeck, its story about a 10 year old boy Jody, I loved the book very much. It’s sad but liked the way Steinbeck shows us the farm life through eyes of a child.

There are four stories in the book all showing the struggles of farmers and how child learns from them.

I can’t forget the book because of Jody.

Nidhi, The Red Pony by Steinbeck is one I liked a lot too. People m ight jump tp the conclusion that the book is for kids, but it isn't. It is about Jody and about compassion. It fits well for this thread. Good choice!

The Red Pony is in my TBR for the year. I'm glad to know you both have enjoyed it, Chrissie and Nidhi.

Piyangie wrote: "The Red Pony is in my TBR for the year. I'm glad to know you both have enjoyed it, Chrissie and Nidhi."

Great! You've got a good one ahead of you.

I am not sure I read the same story.
The Red Pony, I felt heartbroken for Jody who does not learn anything but heartache and pain from his experiences.

Steinbeck shows that responsibility, not always, has lessons of value.
It is a very sad story to me, maybe realistic but so awful for Jody.

Lesle, I feel the way you do.
I felt heartbroken for Jody and felt his father was particularly heartless. I didn't care for that one at all-it's my second least favourite by Steinbeck. The story about the mare was just as bad.
Maybe Steinbeck had a father like that?

And how sensitively Steinbeck portrays Jody’s mother. Not a single behaviour of his mother is lost on Jody.

I agree, Jody's mother Ruth is mostly quiet, compassionate, and empathetic towards Jody and his worries about the pony.

Hello everyone …

Just finished The House of Mirth … still wiping away the tears … I absolutely adored Lily Bart … she is probably one of my favorite characters ever … as a borderline elite trying to fit in with upper class society, I thought maybe she would end up being a bit snobby or shallow … but Edith Wharton adds layer after layer to her character that endears me to her forever … beautiful book …

Happy Reading!

Bonita

Bonita I am so happy you enjoyed it. The House of Mirth is a good book but Lily makes it great...Wharton does too!!

Abyssdancer wrote: "Hello everyone …

Just finished The House of Mirth … still wiping away the tears … I absolutely adored Lily Bart … she is probably one of my favorite characters ever … as a borderline elite trying..."

Hi Bonita,

House of Mirth is indeed a wonderful book.

If you haven't read it already, I suggest The Custom of the Country as a bookend. Undine Sprague is the complete anti-Lily.