Stranger on Earth

This is a pedantic series of entries about classic novels you should read if you wish to make an impression at uptown soirees catering to cultured types. Look on the bright side: there is no such thing as a born ignoramus.  Candide, or Optimism – Voltaire Year of publication: 1759 Edition: Penguin Classics, 2005 Plot: Candide is a naïve young man shaped by his tutor Pangloss’ philosophy positing that ‘all is for the best.’ When Candide ventures out into the big bad world to face his demons, he is thwarted by outrageous (and often hilarious) disasters ranging from earthquakes to the Inquisition. At the end of his harrowing journey, he learns to question his tutor’s stance and grows into maturity. Why this novel: 1. This is the European novel of enlightenment that raised the question of the individual’s right to freedom of expression. It is the forefather of all satirical works, and was for the longest time perceived as a threat by the Church and various g...

This is a pedantic series of entries about classic novels you should read if you wish to make an impression at uptown soirees catering to cultured types. Look on the bright side: there is no such thing as a born ignoramus.  The Turn of the Screw - Henry James Year of publication: 1898 Best edition: Penguin Classics ( The Turn of the Screw and The Aspen Papers ) Plot: An unnamed governess is hired to watch over a young boy and a girl in a gothic mansion. During her tenure she discovers that the previous governess had an illicit affair with another employee, and both died a mysterious death. Something is also not quite right with the boy and the girl. They appear to be able to communicate with the dead governess and her evil lover. Is the mansion haunted? Are the children possessed? Or is the governess not playing with a full set of marbles? Why this novel: I could have recommended The Portrait of a Lady (also by James), but its bulk of some 600 pages might ...