I was recently asked which three novels I'd recommend if someone wanted to learn about people. That was an easy question. Many writers can craft great plots and characters but only a few reveal a profound knowledge of people; the sort that causes you to put the book down and think. My recommendations are:
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
- The Edge of Sadness by Edwin O'Connor [featured in a recent post]
Any others?
2 comments:
Louisa May Alcott's interpretation of people. Especially in works like "Eight Cousins".
"It is apt to be so, and it is hard to bear; for, though we do not want trumpets blown, we do like to have our little virtues appreciated, and cannot help feeling disappointed if they are not."
"[F]or in this queer world of ours, fatherly and motherly hearts often beat warm and wise in the breasts of bachelor uncles and maiden aunts; and it is my private opinion that these worthy creatures are a beautiful provision of nature for the cherishing of other people's children. They certainly get great comfort out of it, and receive much innocent affection that otherwise would be lost."
CincyCat,
I've never read any of her work. I'll check it out.
Thanks!
Michael
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