At Swim-Two-Birds, by Flann O'Brien

[Stacey]

It might have been due to the time/publication date (1939), or the challenging Gaelic/Irish-language literature sprinkled throughout, but I think the reason that this book is so difficult is mainly due to the three stories that are simultaneously in motion featuring main character Dermot Trellis. Hailed as a masterpiece, it was also seen as a "complex imaginative response to the economic and social stagnation of 1930s Ireland". Many of our most beloved authors of the 21st century cited this imaginative and witty book as one of their favorite novels. Ironically, two books after finishing At Swim and I find myself reading Raymond Queneau's 1933 novel Witch Grass, which includes similar metaphysical and game-playing elements. Suffice it to say I need a dedicated class and about three more readings of this book to grasp it all, but I liked it.

Cross off another one! Week 27: A book off of the 1001 books to read before you die list.