What are some of the most overrated works of classic fiction (in your opinion)?

I re-read Treasure Island after finishing Black Sails (awesome show). I think I read it in 6th grade for summer reading (37 years old now).

Man, that book was awful. I barely made it through and couldnt wait to finish it for the sake of finishing it.

amkelley wrote:I was forced to read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in high school and found them completely boring.

When my son (may he rest in peace) was very young (I want to say ~ 6), he made me read Huck Finn to him. In my mind's eye, we read it in one sitting (which can't be right?). I remember clearly that the whole time I read, he was wide-eyed, sweaty-palmed, rapt with attention, and when I would try to put the book down, he implored me to read on. It was the original version, so I had to self-censor, including one of the character's names.

In any event, it's one of my favourite memories of time spent with my son, and as such, one of my all time favourite books.

Anything and everything by Toni Morrison

Catcher in the Rye is pretty meh.

I could not get through 100 years of solitude. I tried three times, making over halfway each time before finally throwing in the towel. Maybe Ill try again in another decate.

I've often wondered why it's such a polarizing book. People either say it's the best book they ever read or so bad they could not even finish it.

Someonewhoknows wrote:

Old Man and the Sea is vastly overrated.

lol

I’ve been an English teacher for almost thirty years. I thought a lot of classics were overrated when I was younger. I thought the same before I taught some of them multiple times and discovered a good many things, especially about Gatsby and Huck. In my view, Gatsby’s technique and language are underrated while its themes may be overrated. I don’t teach Huck and more, but I agree with Hemingway that all modern American literature springs from that well. Artistically it’s impressive to me.

I find TKAM underwhelming. Same with Lord of the Flies.

Shakespeare has held up for me through multiple teaching cycles—even Romeo.

*any more

broscience_the_real_1 wrote:

I do not know about overrated, as many people prefer different ones.

I despise Steinbeck while most people worship him.

East of Eden and the The Grapes of Wrath easily make my top 50, perhaps top 20, but I don't think I would enjoy "listening" to them. I found that most of the classics have multiple layers and need to be read at relatively slow pace, with frequent pauses and often going back, to truly appreciate them.

you may have missed it... wrote:

Someonewhoknows wrote:

Old Man and the Sea is vastly overrated.

lol

I was going to say...Old Man and the Sea is a masterpiece

"Ethan Frome" Suicide by toboggan sounds ridiculous even for 1911.

Pride and Prejudice is dismal. I get that back in its day it was revolutionary for its send up of English society and for the female character's depth. But reading it in 1988 was pure punishment for a high school kid.

To Kill a Mockingbird is the white fantasy about the battle against segregation and racism. in the south. Atticus Finch represents the white fantasy that all of the evils of segregation can be slayed by a noble and brilliant white lawyer who uses the justice system to stop racism. The struggle of African Americans is only in the book so Atticus Finch has someone to fight for. It totally discounts all of the organizing and fighting from the African American community in the 1960s.

harry potter

Anything by Philip Roth.

Precious Roy wrote:

Pride and Prejudice is dismal. I get that back in its day it was revolutionary for its send up of English society and for the female character's depth. But reading it in 1988 was pure punishment for a high school kid.

To Kill a Mockingbird is the white fantasy about the battle against segregation and racism. in the south. Atticus Finch represents the white fantasy that all of the evils of segregation can be slayed by a noble and brilliant white lawyer who uses the justice system to stop racism. The struggle of African Americans is only in the book so Atticus Finch has someone to fight for. It totally discounts all of the organizing and fighting from the African American community in the 1960s.

I always loved the character of Scout. Not sure where the book stands as a novel but the movie is one of my favorites. Scout's conversation with Cunningham outside the jail when they were going to lynch Tom Robinson. Beautiful. And when she takes Boo Radley by the hand at the end- I lose it.

Beowulf. Yes I know its not strictly prose. Its a dreadful read whatever it is.

Anything posted by dunes runner, Allen53, or Corey Giles is over rated fiction.

Icouldbeyourmom wrote:

The Sound and the Fury by Faulkner

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Pride and Prejudice Austin

I agree with Beloved.

Maybe add One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.

Also yes to the person who mentioned Beowulf.

[quote]amkelley wrote:

Similarly, I was forced to read Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in high school and found them completely boring.

Huckleberry Finn boring?

My God

The Scarlet Letter is by far the worst. Heavy handed symbolism. Pearl born of an irritation. Give me a break!