Do you read forewords/notes that precede many classics? Does it help you or hurt you in your enjoyment/understanding of the work?
I usually skip the forewords and notes until I finish the book. I’ve been burned in the past when the forewords gave away major plot points when they assume the reader has already finished the book.
I do always go back and read them after I finished. It’s interesting to learn more about the context of the story or interpretations of the plot. Depending on who wrote them they can definitely enhance my reading experience. I’ve read some that are basically just a brief author bio and others that give a point-by-point break down of the plot. I can’t help but feel I haven’t finished the book until I’ve read every page.
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