The Literary Blog Hop

There is always an argument going on somewhere about what makes a book “literature”. Is it a timeless quality? Is it the exposition of universal truth? Or is it simply a book that is non-genre? One of my favourite books is definitely considered literary, The Handmaid’s Tale, by one of my favourite writers, Margaret Atwood. I’ve spoken about how much I adore this book and how the story has stayed with me even though it’s been too many years since I read it.  A Thousand Splendid Suns, all of which I am happy to discuss at length any time.

Our hosts at The Blue Bookcase talked about Revolutionary Road and the fact that it is still socially relevant. I also think The Handmaid’s Tale is socially relevant. You want to know what could happen if fundamentalists (of certain religious persuasions) take over? Read The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s set in the future, so is arguably a form of science fiction, but it is the not-so-distant future, which can run chills down your spine. George Orwell’s 1984 is similar in that regard, is considered to be literature and is another favourite book. Other books that I love, (that don’t take place in the future) are The Lovely Bones, Jane Eyre and

I like to think of my blog as literary, but also eclectic. Regarding my most recent reviews, some may argue the literary standing of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, but most people wouldn’t think of Dead and Gone or The Dark Tower: Treachery, a graphic novel, as literature. So I’ve joined this event, thinking I’m mostly literary, though my love to read takes me everywhere.

What are your favourite literary works?