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3.43 AVERAGE
3.43 AVERAGE
Upon noting what I was reading, my grandfather noted, "Aha, what a piece of cake!" I agreed, yes, it was delicious, and then he doubledogdared me to read and finish Ulysses. We'll see.
challenging
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
good character development and fantastic style cant wait for ulysses
Brilliant writing but boring to read. The vivid images James Joyce paints with his amazing language enthrals you all through the book. But it's very difficult to keep concentration for long as the content itself feels like a drag.
All in all I read it as precursor to Ulysses so that when I wouldn't be blindsided when I read that later.
All in all I read it as precursor to Ulysses so that when I wouldn't be blindsided when I read that later.
Read August 2013
Re-Read January 2014
Re-Read November-December 2015
Re-Read January 2014
Re-Read November-December 2015
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Surprisingly, I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. I read it because Hozier recommended it and I love his music. I can definitely sense Hozier moments here...things that feel like I heard from his music. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I enjoyed it.
It's a very slow book for me but the pace does go up and down. I love books that flow into a character's consciousness so smoothly like the way Virginia Woolf writes. And this book by James Joyce is just up that ally. I haven't read an Irish book that disappointed me. Yes, this also reminded me of Sally Rooney and how she discusses politics and religion.
I am now excited to read Diviners. This book isn't perfect but I found it so entertaining to read about men crippled by with their sex and youth. James Joyce captured what it is like to grow up in a Catholic household and country and the struggles of just growing up.
It's a very slow book for me but the pace does go up and down. I love books that flow into a character's consciousness so smoothly like the way Virginia Woolf writes. And this book by James Joyce is just up that ally. I haven't read an Irish book that disappointed me. Yes, this also reminded me of Sally Rooney and how she discusses politics and religion.
I am now excited to read Diviners. This book isn't perfect but I found it so entertaining to read about men crippled by with their sex and youth. James Joyce captured what it is like to grow up in a Catholic household and country and the struggles of just growing up.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Not as good as Ulysses, but more accessible, if that's a trade-off. This book I think is a precursor the whole genre of 20th century fiction about young men who feel like outsiders (Catcher in the Rye, Perks, etc.). Still, Joyce is a master. My favourite Modernist, I think--maybe except Proust, but I haven't read him yet in quantity. This volume is essential--the notes are wonderful.
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This novel contains a significant amount of cultural references. Therefore, in case you are not very well informed of Irish history, religious issues etc., it's well worth reading a good commentary on this novel, as well. Luckily for me, this specific edition includes such an introduction.