alex
a bit trite and stretched too thin in parts, but overall this is an enjoyable read, with good characters and lore.
Don't know about a rating but likely 5 stars
Need to re-read and keep better track of the plot lol
i think the crux of this (and maybe pynchon's work in general) is the dichotomy between chaos and control in the order of the world, and i think that's especially fitting considering the novel's famously regarded style. pynchon's prose is some of the best i've read, rendering many scenes baffling or vulgar yet imbuing others with a sense of oddly ethereal beauty.
perhaps a more critical look at the novel is futile considering how much of the plot i was unable to grasp, but nonetheless, i don't think this is perfect. imo pynchon abuses racial slurs a bit gratuitously despite the anti-racist sentiment, and i just find some digressions to just be unnecessary in the wider scope of things. though the wide base of knowledge, the countless facts and intellectual digressions weaved through the story matter is undoubtedly part of the appeal. the amalgam of ideas here is intriguing, and the wider story of a world torn by war is endlessly fascinating. pynchon encompasses so many topics into ~700 pages and still makes the transitions between them feel generally intuitive and natural. absolute madlad.
can't really explain it, but this is one of the best things i've read. solid five stars.
there are some dry digressions and other plotlines that are oddly questionable - but otherwise? a peculiar work, yet one i found very endearing, if not entirely baffling. i think i love pynchon
I think this is a much better book than Evelyn Hugo; far better written, more cohesive, and more efficient. But unlike Hugo, this left me so cold. I was somewhat enjoying it at first, but it drags on a tad too long, and spent far too little time on the supporting cast. Couldn't tell any of the bandmates apart really. And Billy + Daisy's relationship felt so undercooked. Well, a lot of things here did. Honestly, just not a fulfilling read. But oh well
I've got fairly mixed feelings about this. On one hand, there's a very potent message of coming to terms with grief, one I believe is generally handled well. There's a certain moment towards the end of the book that genuinely had my eyes a bit watery. But on the other hand, the way Eleanor is written didn't always work for me - there's a handful of things about her social ineptitude, etc, that felt a bit odd or served to make Eleanor seem more childlike than she should. I'm not opposed to the ideas, just think that the writing was a bit off at times. But otherwise, there's a lot I loved about this. Would recommend it overall.
3.5 stars. just really solid, the prose was sparse but lovely at times. yeah it was good!
I actually want to read this again because there's quite a few times where I was so invested that I actually forgot to consciously think about what I was reading. A few bits in the middle to do with character motivation confused me a bit, but it just adds to the general wackiness. That is what prevents me from giving it the 5 stars it probably deserves.
A book that recognizes the absurdity of life in a surprisingly uncynical way. A blast to read from start to finish. The characters aren't the most complex, (the short page count doesn't leave much room for character development), but I liked them nonetheless. And it was very funny of course!
This is a possible addition to my favourites list.
Delightfully plays with time-worn concepts and devices, from the whodunnit structure and archetypes to bodyswaps and time travel (ish). Each aspect culminates into an amalgam of genres and ideas, one which is executed with such grace. While the intricate structure and plot can feel overwhelming at times, the puzzle is constructed so well that I don't particularly mind the occasional confusion. More to look forward to next time I read this, I suppose.
Intertwined with the mystery is a wonderfully executed theme of identity and memory, one executed through the protagonist's amnesia and the (utterly brilliant) concept of him inheriting the traits of the personas he inhabits. Areas like that are where Turton's writing really shines for me. Yes, the sheer audacity of the premise was worth the time for me, but there's some very clever and even profound ideas beyond the superficial fun of it.
A few passages are a bit rough, and some things don't quite work. But overall, this is one of the most creative novels I've read, blending an eclectic range of ideas into something cohesive and wholly unique. Highly recommended!
have fallen into a reading slump yet this was a good remedy. the satire is amusing if not occasionally tedious and there's some genuinely compelling themes about mortality and childhood. something about delillo's writing style clicks with me more often than not. pretty great stuff
