A review by cole_tergeist_boo
The Dead by James Joyce

4.0

From the moment of Gabriel’s thoughts on how he’d create the painting, “Distant Music”, the tone of this piece entirely shifts from a nostalgic, almost pastoral holiday party with dancing, singing, speeches, and good food to a mysterious and haunting reflection on love and life. It presents a reflection on how the world is ever changing and just as Gabriel internally notes how the older generation is beginning to become outdated, he himself realizes that he and his wife are also passing the prime of their lives. The final scene of snow patting against the windowpane with dream mixing with reality is definitely an image that lasts long after you’ve finished reading, and I would be ready to read an entire book about the story between Gretta and Michael.