The UK's most popular novel is, surprise, surprise, 'Lord of the Rings'. At least that's what an extensive BBC survey has revealed. One can't help but think that Tolkien has Peter Jackson to thank for his elevated status. Nevertheless, it is good to see Jane Austen in 2nd place, even if that is also a TV dramatisation influenced result. Over at the Guardian, they tell us that Don Quixote, "the first modern novel - remains the finest". Having spent a year and a half reading War and Peace exclusively on the bullet train, maybe it is time to turn my thoughts to Spain!
Posted by Joe at December 14, 2003 06:27 PMWhere's Harry Potter? :D
j/k
He's in the top 5! :+(
Posted by: Joe at December 15, 2003 06:56 AMJK Rowling: Great story-teller, lousy writer.
Don Quixote: Very enjoyable story, scattered throughout 500 pages of rambling.
Posted by: DJ at December 16, 2003 06:28 AM> Very enjoyable story, scattered throughout
> 500 pages of rambling
This is precisely what I fear. :+(
Posted by: Joe at December 16, 2003 09:11 AMBe very, very afraid.
Posted by: DJ at December 16, 2003 10:34 AMThe new translation is supposed to be a revelation - you buy the tickets, and I will join you in an around-the-world in-flight read (1st class, of course)!
Posted by: martin at December 16, 2003 11:25 AM