/lit/ - Literature

>>8711491
Tolstoy was pretty stylish.

I'm especially interested in the Peredvizjniki and Repin in special, but any general introductions and theory about Realism would be appreciated.

Bonus points for good stuff about French and Belgian Realism.

Btw: does anyone know of an actual decent book that explains/compares the theories of romanticism, realism, impressionism and expressionism? Or at least gives me an introduction to the thinking behind them?

How do I get the most out of reading?

For the past two years I've mostly been reading classical literature from the 19th century and though I've been enjoying it I feel like I'm not getting the most out of it. I hear a lot of people expressing how much of an influence reading has on them, but I just don't understand that. Sometimes there are only a couple sentences in a whole novel that will invoke any feeling within me. Perhaps I lack empathy, but I think my greatest shortcoming lies with my lack of analysis. I don't delve deep into what the meaning of a novel is so I can't even hold a proper conversation with anyone about a book I just read.

I never paid much attention in English class; my teachers were always veracious and I was more of a stemfag. I don't even remember the structure of their courses but I'm interested in taking something like that up again. I cannot go to college/university, so I was wondering if someone could point me towards any online resources/courses that could help me refine my ability to actually take in what I'm reading on an academic level?

Miky sugary coffee, or black coffee?
Or Tea?