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A review by duncanshaw
The Rings of Saturn by W.G. Sebald
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Reading The Rings of Saturn felt like being taken on a gentle but winding boat ride down the stream of consciousness of Sebald.
Although I didn't, I feel like one could easily just keep reading and finish this book in one sitting as it just guides you on. It is so seamless that you feel like nothing has changed until you realize you are reading about the particular topic of the state and disrepair of Irish stately homes after the civil war, having just been reading about the life of Edward FitzGerald. The narrative stream is deep, complex, and thorough while remaining smooth and pleasurable. I have never read anything quite like it.
I loved the history and stories discussed in the book. I especially liked how the histories ranged from deeply personal biographies to epoch-shaping events and the course of historical periods, and everything in between. The former not seeming any less significant than the latter.
The book, at its most fundamental level, is an account of Sebald's journey along the coast of East Anglia, but the historical tours he takes us on do not feel like a tangent to this. In fact, Sebald expertly writes in a way to make them part of the journey. The adventure through Dunwich Heath is no more part of the trip than the exploration of silk cultivation or the life and family of Joseph Conrad. Even geographically, the histories are as connected to the specific place as his physical rambling there.
Occasionally, however, I sometimes had to go back and figure out how we had arrived at a certain topic in order to remember the basis for it, as it was almost too seamless. I think sometimes the slight cut to a new topic or scene can help me follow easier. Certain passages were also fairly challenging and I don't think I completely understood them. I will hopefully read this again and understand more fully next time.
Overall, this is a masterful piece of writing which captures something truly special about the human mind and experience, and the complex nature of place. Sebald's style is so unique and gives you a real insight into his thought process, including his intellectual, emotional, and physical ramblings. Although challenging at times, this is an element that probably only adds to the depth and re-readability of the book. A musing and original read.
Although I didn't, I feel like one could easily just keep reading and finish this book in one sitting as it just guides you on. It is so seamless that you feel like nothing has changed until you realize you are reading about the particular topic of the state and disrepair of Irish stately homes after the civil war, having just been reading about the life of Edward FitzGerald. The narrative stream is deep, complex, and thorough while remaining smooth and pleasurable. I have never read anything quite like it.
I loved the history and stories discussed in the book. I especially liked how the histories ranged from deeply personal biographies to epoch-shaping events and the course of historical periods, and everything in between. The former not seeming any less significant than the latter.
The book, at its most fundamental level, is an account of Sebald's journey along the coast of East Anglia, but the historical tours he takes us on do not feel like a tangent to this. In fact, Sebald expertly writes in a way to make them part of the journey. The adventure through Dunwich Heath is no more part of the trip than the exploration of silk cultivation or the life and family of Joseph Conrad. Even geographically, the histories are as connected to the specific place as his physical rambling there.
Occasionally, however, I sometimes had to go back and figure out how we had arrived at a certain topic in order to remember the basis for it, as it was almost too seamless. I think sometimes the slight cut to a new topic or scene can help me follow easier. Certain passages were also fairly challenging and I don't think I completely understood them. I will hopefully read this again and understand more fully next time.
Overall, this is a masterful piece of writing which captures something truly special about the human mind and experience, and the complex nature of place. Sebald's style is so unique and gives you a real insight into his thought process, including his intellectual, emotional, and physical ramblings. Although challenging at times, this is an element that probably only adds to the depth and re-readability of the book. A musing and original read.