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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
This is my first read of James Joyce and also his first novel. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t find it very entertaining. It didn’t seem to have much of a plot.
I presume the primary purpose is to point out how many religious leaders of the Catholic Church abused their power and influence. Including using brainwash and manipulation to gain loyalty. And the fact that it was accepted by society. This particularly depicts how it affects this boy growing into a young man. It seems this is somewhat autobiographical.
It’s an important POV to portray, but I wasn’t a fan of the execution. I would’ve liked to have seen more self-conflict of the MC. If he were obedient but also had the urge to rebel and question things throughout the story, I believe it would’ve been more interesting. Could’ve had a likeness to The Handmaid’s Tale.
Also I didn’t need to hear the entire sermon that repetitively speaks of how horrible Hell is. A few lines and the point becomes very clear.
I can imagine this was quite a controversial and impactful work of literature in its time. So certainly I appreciate that aspect of it.
If you’re into classics, this is worth reading. For me it’s something good to read once in your lifetime, but I’m very unlikely to revisit it.
I presume the primary purpose is to point out how many religious leaders of the Catholic Church abused their power and influence. Including using brainwash and manipulation to gain loyalty. And the fact that it was accepted by society. This particularly depicts how it affects this boy growing into a young man. It seems this is somewhat autobiographical.
It’s an important POV to portray, but I wasn’t a fan of the execution. I would’ve liked to have seen more self-conflict of the MC. If he were obedient but also had the urge to rebel and question things throughout the story, I believe it would’ve been more interesting. Could’ve had a likeness to The Handmaid’s Tale.
Also I didn’t need to hear the entire sermon that repetitively speaks of how horrible Hell is. A few lines and the point becomes very clear.
I can imagine this was quite a controversial and impactful work of literature in its time. So certainly I appreciate that aspect of it.
If you’re into classics, this is worth reading. For me it’s something good to read once in your lifetime, but I’m very unlikely to revisit it.
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
moj prvi susret s džojsom i verovatno poslednji jer mu je ovo navodno najlakša knjiga za čitati a borila sam se poslednjih 50tak stranica ali vidim appeal, jako mi se sviđa stream of conciousness stil pisanja i bilo je zabavno dok nije krenuo s filozofijom gde sam znatno morala da usporim ali da. vidi se dosta da su japanski autori čitali džojsa
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Reading this book must be what it feels like to be telepathic. The constant stream of thoughts from Dedalus seem to flow over you, like a warm river of thoughts, hopes, and fears. The thoughts of our protagonist grow and change over time as he grows older, and his concerns move from the juvenile to the more adult as we progress through the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I admit, I was apprehensive about reading Joyce, but after completing this book (after Dubliners), I look forward to reading his magnum opus next...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I admit, I was apprehensive about reading Joyce, but after completing this book (after Dubliners), I look forward to reading his magnum opus next...
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I liked the beginning where he was a child, his struggles with sinning and the sermon on hell, but chapter 5 in unbelievably insufferable.
This was a difficult read, especially since this edition has all of the footnotes in the back of the book rather than directly beneath the text. I understand that the Norton Critical Edition not only has the notes beneath the text, but also includes supplementary material -- a great boon for anyone who isn't up to date with Irish political history, Irish slang, Greek & Roman classics, religious scholars, etc.
While definitely demanding, the writing itself was actually really rewarding. Joyce has a way of creating very vivid and sensual scenes, bringing to life both the breathless heights of ecstasy and the grimy feeling of poverty and decay.
While definitely demanding, the writing itself was actually really rewarding. Joyce has a way of creating very vivid and sensual scenes, bringing to life both the breathless heights of ecstasy and the grimy feeling of poverty and decay.
i thought this was a pretty good portrait of the artist as a young man