It’s time for the first Classics Club Spin of 2024. I wasn’t sure whether to join in this time as I only have eight books left to read from my Classics Club list and I haven’t even finished my book from the last Spin, but in the end I haven’t been able to resist taking part. Ideally, I would like to read all of these eight books within the first half of the year, so this should help motivate me.
If you’re not sure what a Spin is, here’s a reminder:
The rules for Spin #36:
* List any twenty books you have left to read from your Classics Club list.
* Number them from 1 to 20.
* On Sunday 21st January the Classics Club will announce a number.
* This is the book you need to read by 3rd March 2024.
And here’s my list. I’ve had to repeat all of the books at least once as I don’t have twenty left.
1. The Trumpet-Major by Thomas Hardy
2. The White Guard by Mikhail Bulgakov
3. The Silver Branch by Rosemary Sutcliff
4. Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner
5. The Black Lake by Hella S. Haasse
6. The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
7. Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault
8. The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
9. The Trumpet-Major by Thomas Hardy
10. The Silver Branch by Rosemary Sutcliff
11. The Black Lake by Hella S. Haasse
12. The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
13. The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
14. Fire from Heaven by Mary Renault
15. The Elusive Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
16. The Black Lake by Hella S. Haasse
17. Moonfleet by John Meade Falkner
18. The Silver Branch by Rosemary Sutcliff
19. The White Guard by Mikhail Bulgakov
20. The Trumpet-Major by Thomas Hardy
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Have you read any of these? Which number do you think I should be hoping for?
She Reads Novels 
Interesting options, hope you enjoy the one that you get. I’ve read the Hardy and Greene novels and enjoyed those. Haven’t read anything by Mary Renault but feel I should as she is so highly regarded.
I’ve read Mary Renault’s books about Theseus (The King Must Die and The Bull from the Sea) and enjoyed both so I’m looking forward to reading more of her work.
I’ve only read the Greene and the Bulgakov, both of which are excellent. Happy spinning!
Thank you! I would be very happy to get either the Greene or Bulgakov this time.
I vote for Sutcliff, she’s so good.
Yes, I loved The Eagle of the Ninth by Sutcliff and I’m looking forward to reading more of the books in that series.
I haven’t read any, but I hope you get a good one!
Yes, I hope so! Thanks.
Ooh, I like your spin logo! I’ve read Moonfleet, Fire From Heaven, and The End of the Affair. I have to say that The Black Lake sounds interesting. I think I may have read The Trumpet Major long ago, but I’m not sure.
I would love to get The Black Lake this time, particularly as it’s one of the shorter books on my list.
I can relate to that!
I read the Hardy at school but have next to no recollection of either characters or plot. On the other hand I’ve read the John Meade Falkner novel in the last decade and was quite impressed by it.
I’ve loved almost everything I’ve read by Hardy, so would be happy to get that one. I’m glad the John Meade Falkner impressed you as I don’t really know anything about that book but thought it sounded like something I might enjoy!
I’m sure it’ll appeal to you, Helen, an historical novel, only slightly romanticised, from the late 19th century that’s firmly rooted in reality. If my review helps, it’s here: https://wp.me/p2oNj1-yH
Haha, I’m going to say The White Guard as usual, but at least this time it’s got twice as many chances of coming up! Hope you get a good one!
Thanks! I’m hoping to read The White Guard in the next few months anyway, even if it doesn’t come up this time.
Thank you for this Helen. If I hadn’t seen your post I would not have realised there was another spin going on so am now rushing to catch up. As usual. I would quite fancy the Mary Renault.
I would love to get the Mary Renault. I’ve read two of her other books and enjoyed them so I have high hopes for that one!
I’ve read The Scarlet Pimpernel and had no idea there were other stories about him. I fancy ready The Fire from Heaven, but as you know it’s on my list at a different number so if you get that I wouldn’t ):
There are about fifteen Scarlet Pimpernel books, I think. I’ve read three or four of them and they’re all entertaining, but not quite as good as the first one.
Good luck! I haven’t read any of your books.
Thank you!