Titus Alone - thoughts before group read (contains spoilers)

[Jonathan , Master of Ritual]

To repeat myself: "This is a spoiler allowed zone for those who have read the book to post thoughts and ideas."

You don't have to participate in the reread if you have already read the books but we'd all like it if you did!

[Kyle, Steerpike]

Almost upon us is the last, and possibly most problematic, Gormenghast/Titus novel! For those who have read it already, some pre-read musings would be welcome. What did you expect going into the read? Did you walk away satisfied, troubled, disappointed, yes to all and more?

For those who have yet to read the book, where do you think Peake is leading this story of Titus Groan? Is there anything that Peake could do to completely pull the rug out from under you? Would you resent him if he did?

[midnightfaerie]

He already did! Everyone said this one was different, and I knew it would be, but I had no idea how different! I'm having a really hard time with it, and I'm only about 20 pages in. It's almost difficult to understand. I hope it gets easier...I'm really not enjoying it. As for the story line, I'm completely open for this one. I don't think there's anything that could happen here that would surprise me or make me hate it, other than the style of writing, which is more important to me. Fuchsia is already dead... *sniff, sniff* so he can't kill her again... or can he? :)

[Cecily, Gormenghast Librarian]

Midnight, the first time I read it (with NO idea how different it was), my feelings were similar to yours. I think you have to remember that Titus has left Gormenghast behind (or tried to) and that you need to do likewise. He is lost in an alien world, as you will be, and just as he thinks he's getting to grips with it..., things change!

[midnightfaerie]

Thanks for the advice, Cecily. I really do have to let all my preconceived notions go with this one. Usually I'm good with that, just having a hard time with this one. I'll do my best! :)

[Kyle, Steerpike]

midnightfaerie wrote: "He already did! Everyone said this one was different, and I knew it would be, but I had no idea how different! I'm having a really hard time with it, and I'm only about 20 pages in. It's almost ..."

I think Cecily gave some good advice! When I first read this third book, I was warned that it might be a shock to my system, so I think I was more prepared than most. One thing I think is worth asking, is "why?" Why is it so different than the first two? Is it because Peake was mentally on a rapid decline (which he obviously was), or is there more to it than that? Did Peake have a system/reason for the drastic shift?

I think it's both of those reasons, but I also think the real interesting question is how much of each is actually playing a role. I tend to lean towards the idea that the latter is wielding more influence than might be readily apparent.

[midnightfaerie]

good question...i might be able to answer it better once i finish...

[Kyle, Steerpike]

midnightfaerie wrote: "good question...i might be able to answer it better once i finish..."

Yeah, I'm not sure there's a knowable answer to it, but I think having the questions in the back of one's mind helps while reading through the book.

[Cecily, Gormenghast Librarian]

Kyle wrote: "midnightfaerie wrote: "... One thing I think is worth asking, is "why?" Why is it so different than the first two? Is it because Peake was mentally on a rapid decline (which he obviously was), or is there more to it than that? Did Peake have a system/reason for the drastic shift?

I think it's both of those reasons, but I also think the real interesting question is how much of each is actually playing a role. I tend to lean towards the idea that the latter is wielding more influence than might be readily apparent."

I agree: it's definitely both, and although he struggled to complete it, I think it's clear he had something very different in mind - even it that wasn't exactly what we ended up with (this was compounded in early versions, which were published with sections in the wrong order and bits missing).

For instance, look at his short story "Boy in Darkness" (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), which takes Titus in another direction, and another style of story. To me, that indicates that it wasn't only Titus that wanted to break free of Gormentghast, but that his creator wanted to try something different as well.

[Metaphorosis]

It's hard to think that what Peake intended was this result. It's just too sewn-together. He makes a masterful effort to give it all meaning near the end, but he doesn't really pull it off, in my view, and instead he wipes the slate clean to start over.

[midnightfaerie]

It's just so different. But it's starting to grow on me.

[Kyle, Steerpike]

B. wrote: "It's hard to think that what Peake intended was this result. It's just too sewn-together. He makes a masterful effort to give it all meaning near the end, but he doesn't really pull it off, in my v..."

Interesting thoughts! However, for me, this volume seemed much more... driving. Actually more purpose-driven than the previous two books. Part of that is probably just the fast pacing, but from early on in the beginning of this book I feel like there is a particular point to which the story is trying to converge.

It is interesting that you mention the end, and I would agree with your assessment. It seems as though Peake was getting ready to address the point of "so what was the point of the book?" I have to wonder how much of that question was meant to be answered in a fourth book.

[Kyle, Steerpike]

midnightfaerie wrote: "It's just so different. But it's starting to grow on me."

It's like a fungus!

[Metaphorosis]

Kyle wrote: It is interesting that you mention the end, and I would agree with your assessment. It seems as though Peake was getting ready to address the point of "so what was the point of the book?" I have to wonder how much of that question was meant to be answered in a fourth book."

There are two endings, in my view. I thought one of the best parts of the book was the scenes in the Black House, when Cheeta is trying to drive Titus over the edge (especially in light of Peake's own condition). Initially, I didn't think he'd pull it off, but I think it works because it doesn't work - because Titus understands what's happening. This whole scene was a fair attempt to give the book a larger meaning.

The other ending is Titus' descent to Gormenghast mountain, and his immediate departure. I found this to be a real letdown, because there's no good explanation for it. Titus spends most of the book wishing he could get back to Gormenghast, but when he does, he turns away again, with very little introspection. To me, it's a bit like saying "Okay. Didn't like book III. Let me try again." I'll be interested to read book IV and see if there's any clarity in it.