Neglect
Posted by Lynne on July 28, 1998 at 15:57:02:
In response to 100 greatest books, written by Jane Elizabeth on July 28, 1998 at 13:40:08
] If you've been following the brouhaha about the Modern Library list of 100 greatest English-language novels of the 20th century, you may appreciate an article in today's NY Times.
I looked at the list, and was surprised at how many I have read...but! Are only Americans and Britains capable of writing great novels? I did not see too many Australians, Canadians, South Africans, etc... We have a huge English speaking contigent out there, and surely great writing, too, but this group was sadly neglected, it seems.
Perhaps you listened to the NPR "Talk of the Nation" segment about this list...if you did, they discussed the problem above, and also, the fact that other genres were not included.
Not to mention other countries that we would not think of as having English a major part of their lives, such as India, which uses English on all official documents, I believe.
In short, I certainly wouldn't consider this list all-conclusive...for example, a Canadian writer I enjoy alot is Margaret Atwood (The Robber Bride, The Handmaid's Tale) You could argue as to whether or not she should be on such a list...but she does write well, and I think her stories say something about humanity.
Just MHO, though...except for my love of Jane Austen, I have no claim as an expert on great literature..
- south african writers Becca M. 18:09:22 7/29/98
(5)
- Australian writers... Kate 00:20:13 7/30/98
(0)
- On the Beach (*poss spoilers*) Lynne 18:52:05 7/29/98
(3)
- On the Beach and A Town Like Alice sanna 11:55:22 8/03/98
(0)
- _On the Beach_ movie Earlene 04:07:21 8/01/98
(0)
- Nevil Shute Constanza 14:27:14 7/30/98
(0)
- On the Beach and A Town Like Alice sanna 11:55:22 8/03/98
(0)
- Australian writers... Kate 00:20:13 7/30/98
(0)
- Canadians Jane 22:51:07 7/28/98
(4)
- Oh Canada Jane Elizabeth 13:32:39 7/29/98
(0)
- What I tried to say... Barbara 23:45:39 7/28/98
(2)
- And Alice Munro, too! (nfm) Marie-Bernadette 10:51:28 7/29/98
(0)
- Lists... Lynne 02:58:05 7/29/98
(0)
- And Alice Munro, too! (nfm) Marie-Bernadette 10:51:28 7/29/98
(0)
- Oh Canada Jane Elizabeth 13:32:39 7/29/98
(0)
- Margaret Atwood/ Canadian writers Barbara 17:21:32 7/28/98
(0)
Posting followups to old messages is disabled; instead go to the main index and post a new message which mentions this one.
