Since you've read the Sherlock Holmes books, I figured you may be familiar with other pieces of English literature.
What do you think of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Great Expectations and David Copperfield? (if you've read them, of course)
Good heavens, I'm answering my asks out of order, but this is strangely more manageable. Dinnae mind me.
This is such an excellent question (and I ask it to you in return if you've read them, or what your other favorite classics are).
You figured correctly! I have read a good deal of classics, and I have indeed read the former two, but not the latter. I've wanted to read David Copperfield for a while (as well as other Dickens works), but realistically, I think A Tale of Two Cities will come first.
NOW. Onto the ones I've read.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Love. Love immensely. I read it once, was surprised at how short it was, and have been meaning to reread it since last September for very specific reasons. The duality of man is such a fascinating study, and even more so the way it is blended with science and experimentation (and a failed experiment). It—and Hyde himself—is far from what shallow adaptations make it to be. I also have personal reasons for particularly LOVING that book now when I was only a semi-passionate enthusiast last year. (It has inspired so much that it's not even funny.) But I was already a Stevenson fan ever since Treasure Island, and his use of atmosphere and good plot always impresses me. Poor Jekyll, man. He deserved so much better. (And so did Hyde...but that's a conversation for another day.)
Great Expectations: I ALSO loved that book. (The physical book itself, too—I had a soft leatherbound version with an excellent texture, LOL.) I really enjoyed the themes of class distinction and social divide and philosophies it makes one question. Herbert is great, Joe Gargery is fantastic and deserved the best he got, and Pip had realistic struggles. Actually, when you mentioned the malleability of the human mind, it reminded me of a scene from Great Expectations where Estella talks negatively to Pip and changes his whole worldview of himself. It's very interesting and realistic. I also love that it does end realistically. Main characters do not get what they want. It isn't a sappy coming-of-age story. It's just life. (Also, if you didn't already know, the end chase scene with Abel Magwitch inspired the ending of ACD's The Sign of Four with Holmes, Watson, and Jonathan Small on the swamps and marshes after the Thames boat chase!)
... Well...there you go, I guess.
Would love to hear your thoughts as well as other books you enjoy/recommend/criticize.
