Thomas Pynchon discussion
Where should I start?
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Matthew
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Jun 01, 2010 10:49AM
I've never read any Pynchon and was wondering what book should I start with? What novel of his did you read first? Thanks for the suggestions!!
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Crying of lot 49 definitely. While Gravity's Rainbow is the most Pynchonesque of all his books, 49 will give you a taste for what's to come. Think of it as an appetizer before the big feast. You'll also find out your tolerance for puns, conspiracies, and spelling "says" "sez".
Cry of Lot 49 it is then. Thanks for the suggestions guys!
I read V first. got me hooked. didn't really enjoy gravity's rainbow but loved the others, including against the day.
V and Against the Day are my favorites as well, but it's been the longest since I read Gravity's Rainbow, and so should probably re-read. But I think V is perfect to start with: deals with most of his stylistic and thematic concerns but in a more direct and clearly-mapped manner than later.
i felt that V didn't have the gush of energy that i love about pynchon's novels. i don't have a favorite, but i love GRAVITY'S RAINBOW, THE CRYING OF LOT 49, MASON & DIXON, AGAINST THE DAY and INHERENT VICE. that is the order i read them in ... haven't made it to VINELAND yet. i tried to read GRAVITY'S RAINBOW when i was in my early 20's, but it didn't stick. i read it ten years later and liked it a lot, but felt like a lot was going over my head. i read it again two years ago and the second full reading was really gratifying. i just appreciated all of the elements - the satire, the history, the drama, the pynchon madness, and the giddy, exuberant prose that i associate with his best work.
i think CRYING OF LOT 49 is a good place to start with pynchon. as chip said, it's a good distillation of his work in a short novella - you'll feel good about getting through it quickly - something that won't happen with the longer novels. they are amazing and worth the work, but it can be hard getting through them if you don't have time ... i tried to start MASON & DIXON a few times, but kept stalling - i wasn't able to get a lot of concentrated reading time - and it really helps to keep the rhythm going. once i was able to dedicate some time to it, it came alive. pynchon, like joyce and all the rest, take time to savor - you have to make a commitment :)
Interesting--I would start with V. I felt just about the reverse wrt that energy gush. Crying of Lot 49 didn't grab me from the first page like V did.I also think that any of his (haven't read M&D yet, but assume I'll feel the same after I do) would be great to start with.
That said, you do have to make a commitment, so Crying of Lot 49 is a great choice.
I usually suggest 'The Crying of Lot 49'. It was the first TP book I read and remains my favourite.It is shorter than the other books and gives a good flavour of his style and topics. I also suggest this article on 'Where to start with Pynchon', by Martin Eve: https://www.martineve.com/2010/10/09/... W.A.S.T.E.
stan - i think my experience had a lot to do with the edition i read ... it was one of those where the text was super tiny and i think it made the book less accessible than it could be. i'm going to look for another copy ... maybe i'm just getting old and need all the (eye) assistance i can get! :)
Phillip, I hear you--just started with reading glasses :(
I also wonder if the order you read them matters; I started with V and read GR next. THEN I read 49...
