Classic Novels That I Hated: A Personal Journey

Over the years, I have had a wide array of experiences with classic novels, and not all of them were roses and rainbows. There were some books that I devoured, and then there were others that were so dire they left me questioning why they were considered literature at all. In this article, we will explore some of the classic novels that I hated the most, drawing from my personal experiences and reflections.

Falling in Love with Literature: Ayn Rand and 'Anthem'

During my teenage years in the late 1960s, I had a fascinating encounter with literature. I had a crush on a beautiful waitress who worked at a club my band frequented. Little did I know, this charming lady was an avid follower of Ayn Rand, the famous mother of libertarian philosophy.

Despite only having a brief conversation with her, she managed to pique my interest in Rand's works. I picked up a copy of 'Anthem,' but found it horrifically dull. Nevertheless, she continued to influence me, convincing me to tackle her magnum opus, 'Atlas Shrugged.'

To her credit, she did manage to get me through the entire book, even if I found it to be utterly unenjoyable. The writing was uninspired, and the plot lacked any semblance of intrigue. However, it did serve as a recreational read when I needed to impress a waitress. Unfortunately, the sex scenes weren't thrilling enough to keep me interested in the woman.

The Persistent Suckage of 'Great Expectations'

When I was required to read 'Great Expectations' in school, I detested it. It was one of the only books that stayed on my list of 'horribly done.'

After graduating school, I revisited 'Great Expectations' and found that it was just as bad as I remembered. Charles Dickens' famous novel, which is celebrated for its profound themes and complex characters, fell flat for me. It seemed to me that the joy and wit were lost, and all that remained was a disheartening tale of unfulfilled potential and lost promises.

Unfavorable Impressions from 'Crime and Punishment'

Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment' is another classic that left me with a bad taste in my mouth. The two-page introduction focusing on crime, followed by a lengthy exploration of punishment, was a far cry from the engaging narrative I had anticipated.

What disappointed me the most about the book was the overwhelming sense of heavy-handed moralism that overshadowed the story. Instead of a captivating tale, I found the narrative to be tedious and formulaic. The meticulous detailing of Ivan's guilt and psychological struggles was both tedious and depressing, rather than enlightening.

The Failures of 'Looking for Alibrandi'

When I had to read 'Looking for Alibrandi' by Melina Marchetta in Year 10 English class, I found the book to be a complete disappointment. Following the journey of 17-year-old Josephine Alibrandi as she navigates her final year at an exclusive Catholic college, the book felt like a betrayal of youthful ambition and excitement.

Josephine, the protagonist, failed to resonate with me, and I couldn't connect with her religious experiences. By the time I finished the book, I felt a deep sense of loathing. Ten years later, I still couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for my disdain, but the lasting negative impression remained.

The Dichotomy of Studied Classics: 'The Woodlanders' and 'Where Angels Fear to Tread'

During my GCE O-level exams in 1969, we were required to study a variety of challenging texts, including Thomas Hardy's 'The Woodlanders' and E.M. Forster's 'Where Angels Fear to Tread.' Unlike many of the classics I detested, these books left a positive impression on me.

'The Woodlanders,' despite not being as well-known as his other major novels, is one of my favorites by Hardy. The book explores themes of social mobility, misguided partnerships, and the declining agrarian society. While not as emotionally bleak as 'Tess of the D'Urbervilles' or 'Jude the Obscure,' there are moments of light humor that add a refreshing touch to the narrative.

'Where Angels Fear to Tread' was particularly enlightening, as it felt surprisingly modern at the time it was written. Although only as old as 'To Kill a Mockingbird' now, this novel has a subtle homoerotic subtext that was surprising for its time. The book was well-received, and the stylistic choices were not as challenging as some others. Still, much of the examination material focused on the forbidden and crude discussions during the Shakespeare section of the O-level exams, which hinted at the sensitivity of the era.

Ultimately, my exploration of classic novels has led to a range of emotional experiences, from deep appreciation to intense disappointment. Each book I read has taught me something new, and even the ones I didn't enjoy have enriched my literary journey in some way.