A Clockwork Orange midway discussion

[N.M.]

This is the thread where we can meet to discuss our thoughts midway through the book. Since people might be reading different editions, I think we should use part 2 chapter 4 as our mid-point

Be sure to check out the thread once in a while during March, as we read the book. Don't hesitate to share your opinions - likes and dislikes - and any questions or discussions about the book you might have.

[Bernd]

This is a difficult read for me. Im not a native english speaker and so the "old" english language combined with Alex's Slang are really hard to read. But it has gotten a bit better. The first few pages where difficult but now, as the Plot is the focus of the story and not Alex's life, it gets easier to read.
The story itself is okay-ish I guess? I am curios how it ends but thats all.

[N.M.]

Bernd wrote: "This is a difficult read for me. Im not a native english speaker and so the "old" english language combined with Alex's Slang are really hard to read. But it has gotten a bit better. The first few ..."

I felt the same way at this point. It definitely got easier, but I was still annoyed by it.

[Marie]

I actually really like the way it's written. It's very unique and some of the slang words sound super silly, and that helps a bit. I think it's a great story, and I'm looking forward to finishing it!

[Ben]

I go back and forth on the usage of slang. On one hand, it gives the book a distinctive feel, conveys the casual attitudes of Alex and his droogs toward violence, and gives the book a distinctly British vibe. On the other hand, it makes it difficult to build momentum reading in short stretches (as I do), and also downplays the true depravity and violence of the first part of the book. I will reserve final judgment for now.

Overall, this has been an interesting reading experience. I am looking forward to the second half.

[N.M.]

Ben wrote: "I go back and forth on the usage of slang. On one hand, it gives the book a distinctive feel, conveys the casual attitudes of Alex and his droogs toward violence, and gives the book a distinctly Br..."

I can agree with that. the sland both adds and subtracts to the depravity of the situation.

[Ben]

“‘Stop it? Stop it, did you say? Why, we’ve hardly started.’ And he and the others smecked quite loud.”

That is a real horrorshow spot to choose as the midway point for discussion purposes.

[Bernd]

I love the word horrorshow <3

[Luke]

Bernd wrote: "I love the word horrorshow <3"

Phonetically, the word in Nadsat is written how it sounds in Russian: хорошо meaning excellent or good. Sounds real horrorshow...