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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Okay, just to explain my low review of what many call the greatest work ever. I get the reasons. On some technical marks, it's fantastic. But I am not one to put a lot of weight purely on innovation and stylistic vision. Some things were interesting and enjoyable... but the work as a whole is not friendly. I don't even think it was written to be enjoyed. It was written to be written. And that's my problem.
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Not sure what to say, other than it’s over my head, as I thought it would be, and despite preparing for it (reading Portrait, Hamlet, The Odyssey). Might have been more “in my head” had I used a reference guide, but I suffer enough footnotes already, reading histories. Nonetheless, my eyesight did contact every word in the order given…a minor life achievement. Literary worth aside, the man possessed a vocabulary that defies belief, and the “question-and-answer” chapter alone convinces me of his genius.
I read this when I studied abroad in Ireland for a Joyce class I took. Being in the class definitely helped me love and appreciate this book in a way I wouldn'tve been able to on my own. It was a rewarding reading experience.
challenging
Can’t help but feel so tenderly towards Bloom by the end of this!! Insane and beautifully human book. James Joyce is so crazy for writing this and a genius. This is the blueprint etc.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is the hardest book I’ve ever read. It might be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I used everything I could find to help me, and I think I kinda grokked it in the end. Looking forward to the reread, maybe in ten to twenty years.
It was 600 something pages of two dudes crossing paths multiple times during one day.
4 stars because the conversations were at times hilarious. 1 star because half of the book made zero sense and I don’t know why I kept reading it.
4 stars because the conversations were at times hilarious. 1 star because half of the book made zero sense and I don’t know why I kept reading it.
Yes, I know, this is amazing, except it’s confusing and tedious if you aren’t from Ireland or didn’t learn Latin/go to prep school/read this with a professor guiding your read. Points off for how many times we fell asleep during the read.