Need for change

[Shilius]

Hello!

I've been searching through the internet for something to read and found this wonderful forum and decided to join. Recently I've read all E.M. Remarque books that was translated to my native language, few A. Camus, F. Kafka, A. Škėma... There was few others, but what I want to tell is that they are all heavy, melancholic and I'm myself aren't too much of a joyful person. But don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed all of them, it's just that I need something different.
I'm searching for something brighter, lighter more liberating. Also I'm an artist, so maybe something inspiring. It's difficult to express myself, but I hope you'll get it. I would be really grateful if someone could suggest me book or few.


Please correct my mistakes, english is not my native language.
Thank you

[Danik 2016]

Hi,
Here are two threads to inspire you. There are more in the "General literature" section


http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?84778-Recommendations-for-International-Fiction

http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?84725-The-funniest-book-or-story-you-can-remember&highlight=humour

[Pompey Bum]

Welcome to the site, Shilius. I can see where a diet of Kafka and Camus might get a little bleak. If you want to stay in the 20th century (and you don't mind farce) you could try P.D. Wodehouse's stories and novels about the bird-brained British aristocrat Wooster and his much smarter butler, Jeeves. If you don't want to lighten up quite that much (and don't mind going back a little earlier), you may want to consider Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice. And William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair (though a bit long) is a great satire of 19th century British society. It all depends on what you want.

[Dreamwoven]

Hello!

I've been searching through the internet for something to read and found this wonderful forum and decided to join. Recently I've read all E.M. Remarque books that was translated to my native language, few A. Camus, F. Kafka, A. Škėma... There was few others, but what I want to tell is that they are all heavy, melancholic and I'm myself aren't too much of a joyful person. But don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed all of them, it's just that I need something different.
I'm searching for something brighter, lighter more liberating. Also I'm an artist, so maybe something inspiring. It's difficult to express myself, but I hope you'll get it. I would be really grateful if someone could suggest me book or few.


Please correct my mistakes, english is not my native language.
Thank you

Welcome to LitNet, Shilius. Only one or two very minor errors, "...books that were" and "I myself am not...Your English is excellent!

[Shilius]

Thank you very much! I think your recommended books will suit me well. The century doesn't matter for me as long as it's worth reading. There was only one book that fits my expectations, it's "Raganius", by Vincas Krėvė. I don't now if there is translation, but anyway, I think you wouldn't consider it as classic or a good book. I just remember a very pleasant, relieving feeling, feeling that life is simple and everything is good the way it is. That help me to change. It was a long time ago, so it maybe is one those situation where after a good book you want more, but can't find it...
But anyhow, I won't abandon my hopes to find something similar or better.

Thank you, Dreamwoven. The problem is that I never knew the grammar rules, it's all intuitive. Thanks again, I'll try to improve.

[seerseenbyseein]

You may like Saul Bellow--most of his novels end on a non-tragic note. He had a genius for accurate and, at the same time, hilarious description.

[prendrelemick]

I suggest "Orlando" by Virginia wolf - yes I know, its Virginia Wolf, but it's light and uplifting and marvellously strange.
Also EM Forster's "Room with a View" may fit the bill.

You could have a browse through the Book Review thread on this site.

[Emil Miller]

As an artist, you would probably like William Somerset Maugham's famous novel 'The Moon and Sixpence',which is based on the life of Paul Gauguin.

[Jackson Richardson]

I suggest "Orlando" by Virginia wolf - yes I know, its Virginia Wolf, but it's light and uplifting and marvellously strange.
Also EM Forster's "Room with a View" may fit the bill.

You could have a browse through the Book Review thread on this site.

I recently re-read Room with a View and was very charmed and impressed (but I love Italy, where the first part of the book is set and I live in Surrey, where the second part is set.)

Personally I found Orlando pretentious, but again it has a local association for me: the country house that inspired it is at Knole in Kent which is within an hour's drive of my home. (Orlando as a character is based on Virginia Woolf's one time lover, Vita Sackville West. Vita's own The Edwardians is a more conventional novel again set at Knole.)

[Jackson Richardson]

Saki short stories might appeal. While funny and stylish, they have an unmistakeable dark and anarchic side. Sredni Vashta is brilliant.

[ramojoes]

Welcome!

[prendrelemick]

I recently re-read Room with a View and was very charmed and impressed (but I love Italy, where the first part of the book is set and I live in Surrey, where the second part is set.)

Personally I found Orlando pretentious, but again it has a local association for me: the country house that inspired it is at Knole in Kent which is within an hour's drive of my home. (Orlando as a character is based on Virginia Woolf's one time lover, Vita Sackville West. Vita's own The Edwardians is a more conventional novel again set at Knole.)

Thanks for that. Just looked up Knole. Very impressive, in that finely manicured Nat Trust way.