Do you think any current author is of the same caliber as Dickens, Austen, Bronte, or any of the classic authors? If so, who, and why do you think so? If not, why not? What books from this era might be read 100 years from now?
I am a big fan of Dickens and Bronte, and have read almost everything by them. Although I have read 6 novels by Jane Austen, I am not an Austen fan.
If by current authors, we mean authors in the 20th century, then there are quite a few whose works ought be read 100 years from now on. Steinbeck comes instantly into mind. His writing is timeless as it relates to land, people and all those emotions needed for survival. The struggle, the triumph are eternal and anyone from any period of time can connect with that.
Ayn Rand's work might survive, but then her philosophy of objectivism is not much understood.
Amongst poets, I would like to think of Neruda, Mary Oliver, Emily Dickinson and Sylvia Plath. In different ways. All these poets touch our inner core in some way or the other.
I'm sure Plath will be remembered as will Steinbeck. Good picks!
ReplyDeleteI think Stephen King will be one of many authors that's going to be remembered after 100years
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone know who he is tho they never read his works...he is like a rockstar in book industry
Good answer. Here's my link: http://thecrowdedleaf.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck is definitely timeless, and really defines the American spirit for the 20th century.
ReplyDeleteGreat answer and I agree with you about Steinbeck!
ReplyDeleteI forgot about Steinbeck, how could I dod that. my answer is here, http://zetor-mogsblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/booking-through-thursday.html
ReplyDeleteGreat picks, but do they really count as "of our time"? I think the question is more one of who's writing at this moment who might not yet be recognized as a future classic. I'd love to see which writers you would recommend.
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck - good response. He indeed tells timeless sagas
ReplyDeleteI agree about Steinbeck. His books are still in print after a half century... no reason why they won't continue to be. My list is here.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Steinbeck. Haven;t read enough of some of those others, though, to say.
ReplyDeleteMy BTT is HERE
This is an interesting question. I actually haven't read anything by Steinbeck, shame on me. I agree with Plath.
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck and Rand are good picks. I tried to stick with current authors for my list, although I snuck Saul Bellow in there.
ReplyDeleteLove your comments. I'd have to agree about Steinbeck 100%. Ayn Rand.. for sure, but I aqree about wondering if her writing will be understood. I found Atlas Shrugged remarkably relevant and current. Great post!
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck is a perfect pick. His writing is simple, yet full of life.
ReplyDeleteRand isn't so much hard reading. I think it is the length which intimidates readers. I loved The Fountainhead. Atlas Shrugged was scary in light of our society.