In the past I haven't fared well with D.H. Lawrence. He writes contemptible characters so well that when I was at school I threw Sons and Lovers down in disgust, even though I was close to the end, because I loathed Mrs Morel, Paul's mother, intensely and I simply couldn't have her in my life any longer. At University, Women in Love bored me and I only managed to read 2/3 of the novel; Lawrence certainly has me persevering with a book more than any other author, or perhaps it was merely the academic requirement. Women in Love also convinced me that Lawrence was a misogynist.
When Lady Chatterley's Lover was suggested for last month's book group, I was far from delighted. I ended up not hating the novel, nor loving it, but I am glad that I read it. If I were to define my reaction towards the novel further, I would say that I am ambivalent. As I said, I am glad that I read it; it's another Classic down and the illicit furore surrounding this book means that it is one to read. I would even say that at some point in the future, perhaps in my twilight years, I would even re-read it. Lawrence provokes a response in his readers, whether its love or hate or confusion, it is more than some writers achieve. I still think he may be a misogynist though, or maybe a misanthrope ... it's another think I am undecided about.
I have issues with the novel being about Connie Chatterley (Connie is my sister's name and I found it so odd reading about Connie, the sexual being) and yet the title referring to her lover, Oliver Mellors, instead. I didn't find any of the characters sympathetic, likeable, and in the case of Clifford Chatterley, he is another irritating, detestable character in Lawrence's oeuvre. I didn't enjoy the novel per se but I did find it engaging and compelling. Moreover, I didn't find Lady Chatterley's Lover to be wonderfully written; the sex and discussion of their "crisis" was painful at times to read and it is hopelessly dated. There are far more accomplished writers of the period, namely Virginia Woolf.
It was certainly though-provoking in ways that I didn't foresee, certainly in regards to my own preconceived notions. This novel is one I will be thinking about for a while, continually attempting to make up my mind about it.
When Lady Chatterley's Lover was suggested for last month's book group, I was far from delighted. I ended up not hating the novel, nor loving it, but I am glad that I read it. If I were to define my reaction towards the novel further, I would say that I am ambivalent. As I said, I am glad that I read it; it's another Classic down and the illicit furore surrounding this book means that it is one to read. I would even say that at some point in the future, perhaps in my twilight years, I would even re-read it. Lawrence provokes a response in his readers, whether its love or hate or confusion, it is more than some writers achieve. I still think he may be a misogynist though, or maybe a misanthrope ... it's another think I am undecided about.
I have issues with the novel being about Connie Chatterley (Connie is my sister's name and I found it so odd reading about Connie, the sexual being) and yet the title referring to her lover, Oliver Mellors, instead. I didn't find any of the characters sympathetic, likeable, and in the case of Clifford Chatterley, he is another irritating, detestable character in Lawrence's oeuvre. I didn't enjoy the novel per se but I did find it engaging and compelling. Moreover, I didn't find Lady Chatterley's Lover to be wonderfully written; the sex and discussion of their "crisis" was painful at times to read and it is hopelessly dated. There are far more accomplished writers of the period, namely Virginia Woolf.
It was certainly though-provoking in ways that I didn't foresee, certainly in regards to my own preconceived notions. This novel is one I will be thinking about for a while, continually attempting to make up my mind about it.
