Infantilisation?

[Atheist]

Christmas adverts - cartoon characters which used to be aimed at children. 'Literature' - which is often about magic and dragons and fairies and princesses or angels, which used to be aimed at children. Am I getting old?

[barry1010]

The Victorians were obsessed with fairies and they featured in many adult books and decorations. Shakespeare was very fond of fairies, too.
My grandmother's bathroom had the most beautiful fairy wallpaper which I believe was put up in the 1920s and was connected to the Fairyland Lustre range that was very popular.
A good read for those interested https://www.terriwindling.com/anthologies/fantasy-magic-fairyland-in-19th-century-england.html

[roopower]

I love reading, have been through many genres in my life but I have pictures in my head of what the characters look and sound like, which is why I don't watch tv series and films. The producers and directors don't see the same pictures as I do and quite often change the plot and scenery.

[barry1010]

I believe the use of CGI will change that, roo. It makes it much easier to recreate the book than traditional filming.

[Atheist]

I admit that I haven't read Harry Potter, or any magical/fantasy books since Enid Blyton's stuff. So, I can't make a judgment on the literary qualities of any of that type of book; it's just that I don't feel I want to read stuff that's far from reality as I understand it. Of course there could be books of fantasy which still have a basis in human nature and emotions, and I'm sure I might appreciate that. All the same, I don't feel attracted to the genre. I'd better try something - perhaps Harry Potter, as it seems to be highly thought of by many. Perhaps ABers could recommend something that might please an old curmudgeon who is a sucker for love, tragedy, sacrifice and passion...

[emmie]

War and Peace, that will keep you busy for ages

[Atheist]

Emmie; is War and Peace a fantasy or magic novel?

[emmie]

no, but it has war, love, peace, tragedy, and a whole host more.
if you want to curdle your brain with a sci fi series of books look for Stephen Donaldson, there are about 12 or so books in the series on Thomas Covenant, they will do your brain in but in a good way

[Atheist]

Thanks, Emmie.

[emmie]

its not full of faeries, nor is is Harry Potter style, but an adult version more akin to Lof the rings, only much much more complex

[Atheist]

Oh, by the way, I should have mentioned humour; not laboured humour as in 'a hilarious novel' but understated stuff or, if not understated, then very well written indeed.

[emmie]

you could try Terry Pratchett, full to brimming with humour and very readable

[Atheist]

I read a TP, Emmie, and found it enjoyable enough to read to the end, but not really satisfying - made me wonder how he had the drive to write the whole thing, plus lots of others. I guess even I could have such drive if I could make good money doing it.

[Atheist]

I think I really need a book which makes me cry and laugh and gives me an ache in the heart.

[emmie]

try the Stephen Donaldson then, they are long reads, but worth it.
The first book is Lord Foul's Bane and it goes from there......

[emmie]

i recently read the actor David Nivens book The Moon's a Balloon
if you want riotous reading try that

[agchristie]

A few years ago a Graphic Novel appeared on the Booker longlist not to mention Bob Dylan winning,yes winning,the Nobel Prize for Literature!

Yes,'the times they are a changin'!!! ;-)

[woofgang]

You don’t have to read or like any genre of books, just dont be snarky about those who do. Have a go at Mark Hayden if you have got a kindle, Ben Aaronovitch is also good. Neither are for children

[naomi24]

I find so much more than magic in the Harry Potter books.... but in order to discover that they need to be read - and deliberated upon. As moral guidance goes they render the bible superfluous to requirements.

[agchristie]

Naomi,believers will have one word in reply to u - "Hogwarts"!! ;-)

[david small]

Seek and ye shall find. If there was such a thing as a concordance of the Times. I’m sure comfort and enlightenment could ensue. Dickens, Harry Potty, The Book of Moaning etc. Sorry Atheist, way off topic.