Mmm, that's how that one french novel was like for me... I forget the title, but its about that man who stole the bread for his sister's children and ended up going to prison for many yrs...
I only got into that book after the 10th chapter when the main character, a young girl who was an orphan, entered the scene... Many old books are like that. It takes time to appreciate them.

I understand what you mean, kitty... but its hard to force yourself to read something thats boring. I bought this one book I thought would be interesting, but in reality its bored me sooooo... I never finished it. ><