A review by cmzukowski
The Dead by James Joyce

5.0

This is a novella that takes place during a New Year’s Eve party in Dublin. Many might read this and think nothing happens, however I think the story is full of so much. There are many characters in the story but it closely follows a man, Gabriel Conroy, and his wife Gretta. The Dead deals with the changes and disillusionment that happen throughout the course of a relationship, along with the revelations that can come at our most vulnerable times. It is unfortunate that this novella so often goes unrecognized by academics because I think it is stunning and I feel mesmerized each time I read it. So if you choose to go for Joyce, one of the most well know Irish authors, do yourself a favour and go for this under-recognized novella first. You will not be disappointed.