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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
A bizarre, erotic novelized sort of history of Maryland set in the late 1600s based upon an actual satirical poem by an actual poet, Ebeneezer Cooke. There are prostitutes and pirates, rapes and disease, slaves and Indians and some really odd poems. It is over 700 pages, which is a little loooong. But much of the writing is exquisite. I'faith, a lovely picaresque. Also written with a lot of I'faith and suchlike old timey prose.
I think it helps to have lived in Maryland or at least be very familiar with it, but I might be underestimating everyone's interest in the state.
What a fascinating read, in sooth, however quite wordy.
Somewhat a coming-of-age tale of Eben Cooke who is oblivious to many ways of the world, particularly those most mischievous. Even though Eben is in his late 20s he's still a virgin and quite clueless of street smarts albeit well-read.
The side stories started to get frustrating as they seem to detract from the main plot, but I was really impressed with Barth's ability to tie almost all of them back into the main. The of Henry Burlingame were a little annoying but the novel is meant as satirical and in that sense that part becomes humorous. Barth does an excellent job making you feel emersed in 1600s Maryland. I was less interested in the Coothe/Baltimore particulars, but Barth was really committed to having historical details to add to the emersion of the story. In the end I theorize Burlingame
I could see myself reading parts or possibly the whole again and often thinking of some of the stories within.
Somewhat a coming-of-age tale of Eben Cooke who is oblivious to many ways of the world, particularly those most mischievous. Even though Eben is in his late 20s he's still a virgin and quite clueless of street smarts albeit well-read.
The side stories started to get frustrating as they seem to detract from the main plot, but I was really impressed with Barth's ability to tie almost all of them back into the main. The
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goes to his beloved Portia.I could see myself reading parts or possibly the whole again and often thinking of some of the stories within.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Did not expect this to possibly be my favorite book ever. Might write more on it later.
For fans of Arrested Development, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Mason & Dixon
For fans of Arrested Development, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Mason & Dixon
This is definitely my new favourite book of all time.
I should have known better than to read a 800 page Post Modern Novel. Yes John Barth is an excellent writer, weaves multiple tales together into one storyline, and created a work with the feel of Don Quixote with a hint of Canterbury Tales. The hero is a naive innocent, accompanied by a cowardly sidekick, inspired by a fallen female muse, tells bawdy stories, and goes on an adventure seeking artistic greatness.
My personal problem with the book is the fact it’s full of sexual violence, defecation, flatulence, and awful stereotyping. Did authors write for an audience of immature teenage boys? After 779 pages of storytelling, Barth quickly wraps up a very large number of loose ends in the last 13 pages. Did book editors exist in the 1960’s?
My personal problem with the book is the fact it’s full of sexual violence, defecation, flatulence, and awful stereotyping. Did authors write for an audience of immature teenage boys? After 779 pages of storytelling, Barth quickly wraps up a very large number of loose ends in the last 13 pages. Did book editors exist in the 1960’s?
this book isn't for everyone, but it's a goddamn work of genius & it's hilarious. colonial satire at its best based on actual people ... i mean, how many books like this even exist? do i recommend? it depends on if you are a lover of work-for-it literature.
“No pleasure pleasures me as doth a well-spun tale, be’t sad or merry, shallow or deep! If the subject’s privy business, or unpleasant, who cares a fig? The road to heaven’s beset with thistles, and methinks there’s many a cow-pat on’t. As for length, fie, fie!” He raised a horny finger. “A bad tale’s long though it want but an eyeblink for the telling, and a good tale short though it take from St. Swithin’s to Michaelmas to have done with’t. Ha! And the plot is tangled, d’ye say? Is’t more knotful or bewildered than the skein o’ life, that a good tale tangles the better to unsnarl? Nay, out with your story, now, and yours as well, sir, and shame on the both o’ ye thou’rt not commenced already! Spin and tangle till the Dog-star sets i’ the Bay; a tale well wrought is the gossip o’ the gods, that see the heart and point o’ life on earth; the web o’ the world; the Warp and the Woof . . . I’Christ, I do love a story, sirs!”
adventurous
challenging
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
OK, I'm going to be honest here. I saw this listed in the "other people who read this book also read" sidebar after adding some other book, and I remember reading it when I was in college (a million years ago) and thinking it was hilarious and brilliant. Now I can't remember much about it other than the fact that it was set in the 15th or 16th century and filled with ridiculous situations. So I guess I'm going to add it to my "to read" list as well and go read it again!
Als je op Goodreads klaar bent met een boek moet je op "I'm Finished!" klikken, wat wel ongeveer mijn gevoel samenvat bij het dichtslaan van dit boek. Mozes kriebels wat een lang ding. Het krijgt vier sterren voor de geweldige stukken die er inzitten en de ambitie van het hele ding, maar ik weet niet of ik dit aan iedereen aan zou raden.