Questions About Against the Day

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Answered Questions (3)

Which would you read first: The Recognitions by William Gaddis, Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon, or Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace?

Michael Finocchiaro I started with Infinite Jest but it took me a few years to get past the first 100 pages (although it was MORE than worth it once I did). I think that …moreI started with Infinite Jest but it took me a few years to get past the first 100 pages (although it was MORE than worth it once I did). I think that for a long Pynchon book, Mason&Dixon is more pleasurable (once you get past the 18th century diction) than Against the Day which although I loved it has so many Pychonian devices in changing perspective and time travel that a more linear story like M&D would be easier to start with. I have not read The Recognitions and am not sure I will so I can't say...Any reader of Pynchon has to cross Gravity's Rainbow at one time. I read it first and enjoyed it but preferred M&D and AtD to be honest. I also loved Bleeding Edge. (less)

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Could this be described as fantasy?

Francisco You just cannot describe this other than Pynchonian... any other description will miss the target by a huge margin.

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Do I have to read any previous or simpler works of Pynchon before I read Against The Day ?

Aiden Heavilin Nope. This was the first Pynchon novel I've read and I adored it.…moreNope. This was the first Pynchon novel I've read and I adored it.(less)

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