Modern writers are told they need to hook the reader within the first couple of pages–preferably the first few paragraphs.

Fiction writers are also instructed not to write long descriptions and backstory. Instead, they’re told to tuck necessary details in here and there.

They’re also told to “Show, don’t tell.” You don’t say, “Sue was angry,” or even worse, “Sue was very angry.” You show her actions and let the reader infer what she felt: “Sue’s face reddened as she stomped out of the room and slammed the door.”

Other widespread writing advice: Use strong verbs and nouns, fewer adjectives and adverbs. Write shorter paragraphs. Cut everything that’s not absolutely necessary.

Old books are written differently.

They might start with the character’s ancestry three generations back and give us a detailed description of himself, his job, his home, and his family before we get even a hint of what the story is about. They generally “tell” more than they “show.” Their paragraphs, and sometimes even their sentences, are long and circuitous.

It’s not that the modern style of writing is right and the old way is wrong. Some books have continued to sell well for centuries even with their wordier construction. Different styles fit different times.

Older writers might be appalled at our modern lack of patience. But we not only have shorter attention spans–we have a plethora of material to read. If something doesn’t capture our interest right away, we move on to the next option.

I wonder if people savored reading more when they had fewer choices. I think they must have looked on reading–fiction, at least–as a time to anticipate and relax.

Italo Calvino has written, “A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.” It still speaks to us today.

I think of it a little like traveling to a longed-for destination. Before you can get there, you have to make plans, book flights, pack, and endure the journey–all things I don’t like about travel. But most people find the destination with the effort.

It might help to ask for recommendations from a friend or Google classic books in a genre you already like. Finding out a little about the background and author aids understanding as well, but I caution you not to read the introductory material in many classics written by someone other than the author. Those seem to assume the reader is already familiar with the story and give away too much. (I’m still steamed at the writer who tossed out the ending of Anna Karenina like it was common knowledge and ruined it for me).

There are blogs and podcasts like The Literary Life Podcast which shed light on specific titles. I listened to their discussion of Dracula alongside my reading. I didn’t think I’d like the book, but I gained so much more by what I learned from their knowledge and discussion.

So I encourage you to be patient with older books and give them time. Accept that they may be more wordy and take a while to get where they’re going. But the payoff in a recognition of human character or a bit of wise insight is usually worth it.