Mark’s Reviews > The Canterbury Tales > Status Update

Wow Mark! How is it so far?

This will certainly not be for everyone as it is an unusual combo of sanctimonious duplicitous religiosity and a bawdy style of humor that would not be out of place in a movie like Animal House - crude and rude. This modern translation is amazing as it gives you the feeling of time in an approachable style. To sum up it’s a slog 😊

Mark wrote: "This will certainly not be for everyone as it is an unusual combo of sanctimonious duplicitous religiosity and a bawdy style of humor that would not be out of place in a movie like Animal House - c..."

'Sanctimonious duplicitous religiosity and bawdy humour' honestly that sounds exactly like the kind of chaos I'd expect from Chaucer. Glad to hear the translation makes it approachable though, because medieval literature can feel terrifying from the outside. Wishing you strength for the slog, Mark! 😊

It’s funny that many of the character types are commonly found today - those preaching the word of God to make money and gain power and fame.

True. That’s probably why those stories still resonate after so many centuries.

I plans to read Decameron in the next month or two, I may take a longer break now 😊

Mark wrote: "I plans to read Decameron in the next month or two, I may take a longer break now 😊"

Honestly, after Chaucer I think you’ve earned that break, but Decameron sounds like the perfect follow-up for the same chaotic energy. I’m really curious about both books, but medieval literature still intimidates me a little.. 🫠

At Uni I read the Miller’s tale in olde English, I would not recommend doing that unless you’re part masochist. This modern translation is the way to go. I may read another Brother Cadfael murder mystery soon - same era but less stressful 😊

Mark wrote: "At Uni I read the Miller’s tale in olde English, I would not recommend doing that unless you’re part masochist. This modern translation is the way to go. I may read another Brother Cadfael murder m..."

Definitely not a masochist, so I’ll stick to modern translations! 😊 I’ve heard of the Brother Cadfael series but never actually tried it.

Since we’re on the subject, I should recommend Matthew Gregory Lewis’s The Monk sometime. It’s obviously much more gothic and chaotic, but it has that same feeling of religion, morality and human impulses spiraling completely out of control. So after Brother Cadfael gives you a peaceful recovery period, maybe The Monk can ruin your sanity again.. 😅

Have just checked and my local library has much to my utter amazement. It’s definitely a possible read for this year. Thanks 😊