Jon Reading Books > Recent Status Updates

I'm really not into this book. Everything seems grating and bleak, like McCarthy but without gorgeous, unique prose—replaced by something far more pedestrian. I hope it all comes together for an explosive climax. It certainly seems headed in that direction.

Getting into the Halloween spirit somewhat early by reading an author whom I really dislike.

I love these books so damned much.

This book is hardcore. I didn't realize I was getting into this dark a narrative. I expected somewhat more run-of-the-mill cowboys and indians.

I'm not sure what it is that's working so well for me with this book, but I'm really loving it. Maybe some confirmation bias at work, but I find the use of animals equally silly and enjoyable and, for some reason, it isn't reading anywhere near as hokey as it should be.

A profound realization that hell could be so mundane rather than outright torturous.

Alright, I think I'm starting to 'get it'. I'm beginning to really enjoy spending time with these characters (particularly Augustus and Lorena) despite the fact that not much of note has happened in the story yet.

A long, ponderous read. This translation by Edith Grossman is also particularly strong. Feels more like a series of interweaved short stories than a traditional novel, but relatively surprising in its modernity otherwise. Easily readable nowadays despite being 400+ years old.

I have no critical to add, just hopelessly biased fanboying.

I suspect the translation is rather clunky, but the content itself is worth the price of admission.

I know people love this book, but it's one of the worst, slowest starting novels I think I've ever read. Nearly 200 pages in and barely a damned thing of note has even occurred.

I get that you need to introduce characters and setting, but there's got to be a more deft way of doing so than this. Rubbish reading thus far.

I'm not sure if I dislike this chonky translation or Solzhenitsyn's prose :(

I'll never get tired of these books; this world, these characters.

First time reading this one since '97ish.