Has anybody Read John Fowle's The Collector?

[Ivy jo]

The Collector by JOhn Fowles was a book I had to read and base work on for English Literature at school, and while alot of my peers found it a depressing and almost boring novel I actually found it had some fantastic insights about life and love in a socially driven world, or mind. That and although i found at first the lead female role quite tedious, upon more readings there are many connections with her views and that of the female mind, in particular, her ability to connect with the male lead role. The whole book is written in first person from the two views of Clegg and Miranda and the story of them both is told with direct insight into both of their souls and in particular Clegg's psychi. I just wanted to know if anyone else, having to read this book or having read it independantly, liked it or found it was also a great book to analyse.

[Robert G]

Don't all rush at once.

[Ivy jo]

Nice Robert G, nice

[cosyrosy]

i read it about 10 years ago and don't remember a lot of detail- do remember though that it was one of those really spine tingling books- am married to a real john fowles freak- but he reckons the best book EVER written was the Magus

[coffeeman]

yes i remember having to read this at school.

all my class really enjoyed the book ...and i remember reading it quickly to find out the ending...

[sten102]

I have to say I absolutely loved The Collector, I would say it's the best book I've ever read! Seriously! Brilliantly written. I haven't been so engrossed in a novel since. I didn't like the Magus anywhere near as much.

[flaming]

Just thought I'd mention the film made based on the novel, I believe. I haven't read the book but in the 60s I saw a film also called "The Collector" with Terence Stamp and Samantha Eggar. No doubt there will be some readers of the book who were outraged by the film version but as I couldn't compare the two it didn't spoil seeing the film for me. That is if my memory serves me right and I am not talking rubbish.

[Ivy jo]

No, no, you're not talking rubbish. Your quite right, there was a film version made with Terrace Stamp in and I have yet to see it. I wouldn't mind actually, but, like you say, I don't know if it is completely different to the book.

[WendyS]

No, but I've just finished reading his The Magus and found it a very wierd book. I really had to struggle to get through it and am still not quite sure what message it was supposed to convey. Normally I feel quite sad when I finish reading a really satisfying novel. This one I put down with considerable relief and wonder whether I would enjoy any of his other works if they were all like this one.