Lucky number 19!
It never fails – the book that I get for a Classics Club spin is never one of the ones I had my fingers crossed for–or even one that the comments discuss! No one mentioned Sir Gawain and the Green Knight at all – apparently not very popular? Unfortunately, I don’t have a copy of my own, so it’s translation selection time. As I’ve been doing some quick research, I’m becoming more excited about this title, though–can’t wait to have it in my hands!
Did you spin? Are you looking forward to–or dreading!–your selection?
Happy reading!
Simpler Pastimes 
Don’t know this one but I hope it turns out to be great! Arthurian stuff is always fun. I got Nevil Shute’s On the Beach, which is the first time in ages the spin gave me a book I’m looking forward to… 😀
What I’ve read about it so far sounds promising! I haven’t read On the Beach, but I’m glad to hear you got a book you wanted! Happy reading!
Oh, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one of my favourites! I do hope you enjoy it, Amanda! I read the translation by James Winney and found it very readable. Have fun!
Thanks, Cleo! Why am I not surprised that you know this one?
I have a review on it almost finished. I’ve read it about three times! 🙂
I read this a long time ago, in French. loved it!!
Glad to hear! I’ll be sticking to English :), but I’m happy to know it’s been translated to other languages, too – makes it sound more promising!
I saw your list, and I do not know why I did not comment bc you had several titles that would have been great, including Sir Gawain. I like the story very much bc I really enjoy Arthurian or Medieval lit. Then again, I only read an abridged version to my children. I imagine you are reading an unabridged. ??? Good luck.
Thanks! I imagine unabridged – it seems from what I’m finding that it isn’t very long – or else only abridged versions are available in modern English?
I’ve just given this to my husband! I went for two translations, one by Simon Armitage that’s meant to be clear and straight forward and the JRR Tolkien version, just because he’s a Lord of the Rings fan. I hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, Jane! I just order the Tolkien version after reading some samples online. I’m a Tolkien fan, too, but I’ve also found that I prefer my old poems to sound a bit archaic, even in translation!
Oh, I love Sir Gawain and the Green Knight! I have Simon Arbitage’s translation on my TBR shelf; I’ve read Tolkien’s before and one other that I forget. It’s not long at all, and it’s a Christmas story so not at all suited to spring. I’ll read with you if you want 🙂
Ha ha, I had no idea it was a Christmas story! Oh, well. I’m sure I’ll enjoy it anyways. Yes, please feel free to join in, it’s always fun to read along with other!
Gosh…it’s been at least a century since I read Sir Gawain…but I remember really enjoying it. I suspect it will be more fun than mine…The Old Man and the Seah
I’ve never read any Hemingway, but he seems to really divide people into love-hate columns. I hope The Old Man and the Sea turns out better than you’re fearing!
I’ve found that old folk tales are often the best stories. After all, they have been shared, usually out loud, for centuries.
I never thought of that, Deb, but that’s true – the old stories have really had to prove themselves for a long time. Thanks!