We reach the end of the book, and the end of many characters. While many resolutions are happy, not everything may be satisfying. Post your thoughts on these chapters in the comments. I’ll have a general Vanity Fair post soon that provides links to the previous posts, which I hope will be the place for […]
Our next book has been chosen and it is Jane Austen’s first book: Northanger Abbey. Written in 1798 but not published until 1818 (after her death), it is a satire on over-the-top Gothic novels that were popular at the time. Like Don Quixote, it has lived longer than the literature it satirized. Another common Austen […]
Much happens in these chapters. From Lord Steyne, Rawdon and Becky’s unplanned meeting to Jos and Dobbin returning home, much is resolved here. Leave a comment on what you think about Thackeray’s settlement on many of these issues. We’re approaching the end here, for better or worse. I’ll set up a thread at the end […]
I’m a little behind the schedule. I’m halfway through chapter 36. And I just went to the library today and got more books. My problem is I keep getting sidetracked and reading other books in between. But I’m still plodding along. I just can’t quite keep up and don’t have much to say on here. […]
I’m changing the schedule one more time (see sidebar for update), adding another week. Things have been hectic for me with the new baby, plus this chapter makes a good place to end one discussion and start the next. So in this stretch we see diverse locations (from India to the court of George IV) […]
I must have goofed in only having 4 chapters listed for this week. But I’ll go with the schedule as listed—not like anyone will care. Post-Waterloo, we follow the fortunes (or lack thereof) of the many families. Add your comments on what you like or dislike about the book so far.
Have you thought of other books while reading Vanity Fair? It is very rich in allusions and references, but the period of time and subjects it covers reminds me of several other works. Stendhal’s The Charterhouse of Parma: While I was a little underwhelmed with the overall book, the Waterloo scene was fairly funny as […]
Here are a couple of ideas, trying to indulge Chrees’ preference for literature 100+ years old. Northanger Abbey by Austen. Something else by Austen?Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Who else has ideas? We’re looking for something much shorter for next time. Claire
Where we follow the non-heroes and the rest of England to the Continent to face Napoleon and see the aftereffects of Waterloo. Post your thoughts, favorite parts, characters you hate, etc. in the comments!
So as you’re reading through the book, do you find your attitude toward Becky changing? Do you like her more, less, or the same? Just curious as to your reactions toward her…