Celine and Anna kick off this episode of Novelbound with some embarrassing Facebook posts from their teenage years, and a cringeworthy moment in Chipotle where Celine may have told a man she was betrothed. Throughout this episode Anna and Celine dive into the world of old literature. Books that are classics that get slept on so often!
Have a hard time understanding some of the greats? Take the time to do your research on Sparknotes (insert link) for some killer help understanding that old school lingo. It’ll be worth the effort, and it’s so fun to dive into that world.
Celine kicks off this episode of Novelbound with her first recommendation, Importance of Being Earnest written by Oscar Wilde. Celine may have a special attachment to Oscar Wilde saying that he is her ‘king’. And is totally obsessed with Wilde.
Importance of Being Earnest has been a staple in high school curriculum for years, with the ‘mistaken identities, secret engagements, and lovers entanglements’ that has captivated the heart of all of its readers. Jack, the protagonist of the play lives in Hertfordshire with lots of responsibility and a secret identity of his own. He boasts of a brother, Ernest who lives a life of scandal and fun, when in reality, Ernest, is himself. Jack is in love with Gwendolyn who just so happens to be his best friend’s family. The play follows Jack’s tumultuous love life and how he plans to get what he wants while not making any waves.
Anna begins by sharing her choice, Rebecca by Daphne du Maurer. “The novel begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working as a lady’s maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives–presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.”
This book is full of twists and unexpected emotions. Anna describes it as a ghost story without a ghost. A great book that makes you love to hate some characters and leaves you on the edge of your seat. A book that makes you MAD at the main character wanting her to be strong and have a backbone!
Next up, Jane Eyre is a classic people loved by many and even has a SIX HOUR movie. During the podcast Celine and Anna talk about why they silently cheered while Jane told her aunt off, how they were obsessed with the detailed imagery of the ruins and desolate landscape, how little she was cared for and how absolutely sad it was.
The third book in the series features Anne at Redmond College. Anne and three friends, Priscilla Grant, Philippa Gordon, and Stella Maynard, (as well as their chaperone-of-sorts, Aunt Jimsie) rent a darling house that I immediately became obsessed with called “Patty’s Place.” I loved seeing Anne blossom and grow at college, making new friends and keeping old ones, and making mistakes (both in love—hello, Roy Gardner—and life) while finding out who she is and what/who she really wants (hello, Gilbert!).
Last up in the line up is Girl of the Limberlost.
“Set amid Indiana’s vast Limberlost Swamp, this treasured children’s classic mixes astute observations on nature with the struggles of growing up in the early 20th century. Harassed by her mother and scorned by her peers, Elnora Comstock finds solace in natural beauty along with friendship, independence, and romance.” (synopsis from Bookshop)
Sound like your jam? Listen to the full episode here!
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