Alternative Novels Trivia Quiz

Answer: Valley of the Dolls

Written by Jacqueline Susann, the hugely successful novel was published in 1966. Due to its popularity it paved the way for numerous female writers. Hollywood bought the film rights to the novel and filmed it in 1967 casting Sharon Tate in one of the major roles. Sadly, Sharon would later become one of the victims of the infamous Manson family in 1969.

Answer: The Green Mile

Written by best selling author Stephen King, "The Green Mile" began life as a monthly serialisation between the months of March 1996-August 1996. It was adapted for the silver screen in 1999 and starred Tom Hanks. On publication in its entirety the novel was awarded The Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel.

Answer: Shogun

Written by British/American James Clavell (1924-1994) Shogun is part of Clavell's "Asian Saga". It is set in Japan's feudal 1600s.

Answer: Kidnapped

The novel "Kidnapped" was written by prolific Scots writer Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. Set in 1751, six years after The Jacobite rebellion, it tells of the many adventures of the book's hero David Balfour. Stevenson was also the author of such classics as "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde", "Treasure Island" and "Catriona".

Answer: Great Expectations

"Great Expectations", written by Charles John Huffam Dickens in 1860/61 is regarded by many to be his greatest work. Dickens in his lifetime not only wrote novels but was also an editor for numerous weekly magazines as well as a writer of travel books and plays.

Answer: Moby Dick

"Moby-Dick", written in 1851 by Herman Melville tells the story of Captain Ahab's relentless pursuit for revenge on a white sperm whale (Moby Dick), which in a previous encounter had sunk his ship and bitten off his leg.

Answer: Little Women

Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women" tells the story of four sisters growing up in New England at the time of the Civil War. The book is based on Louisa's own experiences in life.

Answer: The Wind in the Willows

Written by Kenneth Grahame and published in 1908 "The Wind in the Willows" is a children's classic. It tells of the many adventures of Mole, Mr Toad, Mr Badger and Ratty, a group of animal friends. Such is its popularity that it has been adapted not only for television but for the silver screen, opera and radio.

Answer: Catcher in the Rye

Written in 1951 by J. D. Salinger "Catcher in the Rye" is regarded as one of the most influential novels of its time. Salinger up until his death in 2010 refused point blank to have the novel adapted for stage, screen or television.

Answer: Lord of the Flies

"Lord of the Flies" was written by Nobel Prize-winning author William Golding and published in 1954. The novel was Golding's first and though not a great success on its publication is now now regarded as a classic.