Alice in Wonderland - I just never got it! Not as a child and certainly not as a student teacher having to do it as part of classic children's fiction.
Jane Eyre - another one I just don't really get, although I did enjoy the BBC adaptation with Toby Stephens and his dodgy hair extensions! I find the beginning purely depressing, the middle bit ok and the ending disappointing. Yes, I get she's plain, has a tough deal, remains constant but won't give up her ideals, but it's all so wearing.
Sons and Lovers - I've tried to do D.H. Lawrence, but find them too slow, too depressing and there's no fun even in Lady Chatterley!
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However, today's overall winner is Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy. Probably unfair, but this was one of my "A-level" set texts (with this actual cover!) so it was forced upon me and any enjoyment was wrung out by over-analysis and rote learning of quotes and overall themes. I haven't been able to pluck up the enthusiasm to read it since I finished the exam, so I although it may deserve a second chance and could be an undiscovered joy...it still remains my most hated book. At the time I found the whole novel turgidly depressing and rather sanctimonious. I have never tried any other hardy novels due to my lack of enthusiasm for this one. On a positive note, I did do very well in my exams!
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