Dhalgren- Help me undertand this book, please!

[J.W.]

I've tried to read Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany multiple times. The first time, I made it about 60 pages in. This time, I'm about 180 pages in, and I'm dragging. What is it that makes this book such a classic to so many? Can you help me? If you love this book, I'd love to know what you loved about it, and why. I don't mind spoilers. Honestly, I'd welcome them. I want to know what's happening here because I don't understand it.

I find the book, so far, almost incomprehensible. And maybe that's the point? Maybe I'm supposed to wonder what's happening and why. But if so, great! I've already gotten the payoff from the book. Is that right? What else is there going on.

Again, this is a genuine ask: please help me get it. Tell me what you loved. Tell me about the book. Share your wildest theories. Help me figure it out, because I want to finish it.

[CBRetriever]

well, like Finnegans Wake the end segues back to the beginning so it really doesn't end

Beginning: To wound the autumnal city.
End: Waiting here, away from the terrifying weaponry, out of the halls of vapor and light, beyond and into the hills, I have come to

the main character, who has no name but is called Kid, doesn't know his past, is confused about how he got to Bellona

aw, I can't explain it myself but, like this article says:

https://writercoop.wordpress.com/2020...

Disclaimer: Like Joyce’s Ulysses, you can’t understand Dhalgren until you’ve read it and once you’ve read it, you can’t explain it.

and here's another good article on it

https://www.tor.com/2010/04/13/format...

[CBRetriever]

This book actually reads better in paper format rather than Kindle or other ebook format as towards the ending the books is two ongoing pieces of writing with a vertical line separating them. The digital versions go from one to the other making it difficult to follow the ... I'm not going to say plot, but parts of the book/writing sequence, whatever.

[CBRetriever]

Third comment, this might actually be quite good in audible format which would pick up more of the poetry within the prose

[Richard]

CBRetriever wrote: "This book actually reads better in paper format rather than Kindle or other ebook format as towards the ending the books is two ongoing pieces of writing with a vertical line separating them. The d..."

You’re making me want to pick up my paperback copy that has been resentfully glaring at me from the bookshelf unread, for the best part of a decade.
We need a group read of it to force me to finally have a go at this beast of a book.

[J.W.]

Okay, thanks for the comments. That does help some. I think I'll try to force myself through it, but it truly does feel like I'm forcing myself, not enjoying it. Any other input, anyone?