One of those funny things happened this week that seems too ironic, too fateful to really have happened. Not that it's a life-altering or "big" thing, but just an odd coincidence.
A few weeks ago, I got to thinking that I'd like to read some "classics" that I either didn't read in my many years of English-related studies or that I read back then but would like to read again without feeling "academic." Specifically, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, and Charlotte Bronte were on my mind. As a student specializing in postmodern and feminist theory, I was sort of a post-1960 reader and theorist. Atwood, Oates, Winterson, Shields… all up my alley. George Eliot, Alcott, Gaskell, Phelps, Bronte(s)… not so much my thing. (Ironically, Megan's dissertation was on precisely those people. We were in opposite eras, for sure.)
But, suddenly, I've been wanting to take a leisurely read through some of those writers. I was thinking I'd start with Jane Eyre just because. But Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility were high on my list.
It was with a strange feeling that, while out crawling around R.A.O.K. sites, I stumbled over a link to Knit the Classics, a read/knit along which started June 1. They're reading the classics together and knitting something reminiscent of the time. The organizers have done a ton of groundwork putting together links for patterns, historical and contextual links, infomation on the first book, etc.
The first book they are reading is Middlemarch by George Eliot. Megan has written about it and used to teach it. Although she likes Elliot, she refers to Middlemarch as a 'slog.' Adam Bede is better, she says.
I thought about it for a day or two. Had they been starting with Austen or a Bronte, there would have been no hesitation. Even so, I did decide to join. It's a cool idea. I'd already picked out my next lace project anyway, and it seems perfectly in keeping with Knit the Classics. It's the Rosebuds and Climbing Roses stole from Lavish Lace. It's a perfect match for the KnitPicks Shimmer Mom sent me for Easter.
I picked up a copy of the book last night after dinner out just me and the boys. (Megan apparently ditched her copy somewhere along the way.) Then, late, I cast on for the stole and worked the foundation rows. So, I'm all set to grab a handful of markers and start the first section of lace tonight.
I'm glad you decided to join us! :) I hope you won't find Middlemarch to be too much of a slog. When I first read it I wasn't anticipating liking it but I ended up liking it quite alot. I am knitting my first lace project and I can't wait to see yours! I'm so hooked on it.
Thanks so much for the stitch marker! I had considered doing the Knit the Classics, but I have been such a slacker for reading lately there's no way. Maybe I can just lurk and watch everyone else.
Hi Amy! Thank you SO much for the smiley stitch marker!!! It came at the perfect time and cheered me. Looking forward to hearing what you think of Middlemarch. I tried to listen to it on tape when I was on a trip but had trouble really focusing on it while driving. I thought it would be better to read it but haven't gotten back to it. I have been reading a Dickens novel a year the past couple years. I read lots of classics in hs and college but want to read the ones I missed.