Fellow Inkie, Hilari Bell put it beautifully when she said, "I think what makes any book into a classic, fantasy or not, is how much it touches your heart and soul. How deeply it moves you. When I think of classics, across the genres, one thing they pretty much all have is "heart." Also, usually, some wisdom..."
I agree! But there's something else I noticed about the books I've marked as classics, at least in my own mind. They each have an endearing, typically unlikely hero/heroine who faces adventure head on in a wonderfully fantastic world.
I believe that when we find which of our "modern classics" endure the test of time, it will be those with characters readers easily identify with, rich worlds, and plenty of adventure. Is there anything you've read lately that falls into this category? Do you agree or disagree with my analysis? Let's chat!
that is all very and extremely true. but i don't think that these apply to just fantasy classics.
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting topic. I agree that heart, soul, wisdom, and great characters are key ingredients for a wonderful, long-lasting novel, but often there is something else that's hard to describe. I think sometimes the author's passion or connection to the story adds something magical and hard to label.
ReplyDeleteI have pondered this question a lot recently too. What do the great fantasies have in common? "an endearing, typically unlikely hero/heroine who faces adventure head on in a wonderfully fantastic world" -plus the "heart" that Bell also mentions. I sometimes like to think that these worlds really do exist and that's why when a story taps into them they become classics - it's like there is something there we recognize! But I'm a hopeless romantic at heart. Smile -
ReplyDeleteLove this topic. In my mind, a classic is a book I want to read again and again. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was just as much fun to read to my step daughters as it was to read when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteI just finished Beautiful Chaos so I have to put Ethan Wate in the Everyman hero category. Like Frodo, he has an indelible connection with the magic in his world, but no controllable powers. Ethan is all about heart. Super post, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteSo true. Our hero/heroine must be relatable.
ReplyDeleteYes! The world is always important. I think even if not a fantasy this holds true. Winnie the Pooh as pointed out below. Little House on the Prairie too...
ReplyDeleteWhen I think back to fantasy books that have in mind become classics, I'd have to agree with both of you, also for me they normally have a mood and a setting which is completely entwined with the theme and characters- take OVER SEA AND UNDER STONE - couldn't work anywhere but Cornwall, and THE HOUSE OF GREENE KNOWE - the house and the atmosphere is so unforgettable. And of course to really stand the test of time, the writing has to be exquisite!
ReplyDeleteAll awesome picks! There are so many to choose from.
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