Questions About Gravity’s Rainbow

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Answered Questions (12)

This is a great American Novel, the best since Faulkner's the Sound and the Fury. Do many agree?

John Maberry No. It's among the worst books I ever read (or should I say, attempted [3 or 4 times] without success, to finish).…moreNo. It's among the worst books I ever read (or should I say, attempted [3 or 4 times] without success, to finish).(less)

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This book seem very intimidating to read (length and the fact Pynchon seems kind of a nut). Is it a difficult read?

Craig B. Yes.
It is tremendously densely packed.
Sort of the first 1600-page novel that's only 760 pages.

But don't let that scare you off. It's one of those few …moreYes.
It is tremendously densely packed.
Sort of the first 1600-page novel that's only 760 pages.

But don't let that scare you off. It's one of those few extraordinary books that teaches you how to read it as you go along.

And of course, the musical interludes where the characters break into song help chop up the density.(less)

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Do any women like this book? The writing is well-crafted but I feel like it is the literary equivalent of being assaulted by dick pics. I have to keep taking a break.

Zina I loved it. Absolutely loved it. Few books compare to this one in sheer brilliance, even if some crazy is mixed in.

Life is complex and much is motivat…moreI loved it. Absolutely loved it. Few books compare to this one in sheer brilliance, even if some crazy is mixed in.

Life is complex and much is motivated by sex.
But if you prefer not to have graphic scenes of various degree of perversity, obviously, don't read. Definitely not for the easily blushing.(less)

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Is this more or less difficult than Ulysses?

Eric McElyea Ulysses is probably easier if you are Irish and live in the 1920s. Both books are really difficult though, Gravity's Rainbow has a ridiculous number o…moreUlysses is probably easier if you are Irish and live in the 1920s. Both books are really difficult though, Gravity's Rainbow has a ridiculous number of characters, some characters have multiple names, some characters disappear and reappear much later with no reintroduction.(less)

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How does the audio book compare to the dead tree version? Is it worth picking up?

Sapna Kumar I can't imagine attempting actually attempting to read this word vomit. The narrator is fantastic and makes vomit into syrup, but it's still a pretent…moreI can't imagine attempting actually attempting to read this word vomit. The narrator is fantastic and makes vomit into syrup, but it's still a pretentious syrup. I think Pynchon had hypergraphia and his books were mistakenly interpreted to mean something. Regardless, I'm listening to the entire thing -- and it is a thing - -a big gross thing -- just to see if there is any value in it.(less)

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