Classic Fiction Lovers of DC

Love in the midst of war -- what could be a better premise for a novel? "A Farewell to Arms," Hemingway's first bestseller, is partly based on his own experiences serving in the Italian campaigns of the First World War; like his hero, Hemingway fell in love with the English nurse who cared for him in Milan after he was wounded. It's been many years since we've talked about Hemingway in this book club, and I'm excited to finally read one of his greatest books.

We've never read Lermontov in here so I'm happy we're finally righting that wrong. "A Hero of Our Time" is an example of the "superfluous man" novel found in Russian literature, in which a man, usually born to wealth and privilege, who does not fit into societal norms, disregarding social norms and typically using his privilege in the service of his own comfort. This is also considered the first example of psychological fiction in Russian literature.

I like to call "Pride and Prejudice" the original chick lit, but this is so much more than chick lit. Both a comedy of manners and a trenchant critique of the strictures on women's lives, it is also a terrific romance with an immensely likable leading lady and a sneakily romantic hero. I can't wait to read this one again!