Ulysses - update

You're might be wondering how I'm getting along with my epic read. Well, I'm chuffed to bits and doing a geeky dance in anticipation of announcing that I'm a third of the way through. Now, that might not seem a lot to some, but to those who have attempted to read Joyce's tome - that's great news.

I must say, I feel I am 'studying' it rather than 'reading for pleasure' but all the same, I'm getting there. I've managed to read some each day, little and often being the approach, but it has worked for me. I may have mentioned last blog post that this is my third attempt. My first and second attempt failed at or before page 50 but this third attempt is plodding along nicely. The difference being I was armed and better prepared with a detailed study guide plus, I accepted the need to constantly reference the internet. I have watched numerous clips on Youtube about Joyce's life, his work and listened to podcasts discussing Ulysses. Did I mention I was prepared?

Podcasts: In Our Time and Start Of The Week  

Anyway, certain things have motivated me. Firstly, the book is as strange, as weird and yet, as absorbing as others say. Secondly, I have vowed never to read it again so, I'd best make the most of this attempt and thirdly, this made me laugh out loud on hearing it, on completion of the manuscript Nora Joyce (his wife) managed to read the first few pages before giving up! That made me feel somewhat better.

I haven't found it easy at all; I've struggled to understand the language, the unique inclusion regarding simultaneous scenes and keep track of the occurring events. Nevertheless, I have loved his descriptions, the constant reference to Dublin's street map and the depth and breadth of knowledge referred to by Joyce. This said, I vow never to reread it once complete.

I've calculated that given my current rate of progress it'll take me partway into August 2020 to complete but, I'm getting there: slowly. 

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