I am not a Pynchon-head but have read a few of his books and given up on a few. Till now my explanation for this was that Pynchon swings between writing accessible books followed by esoteric ones. But also books about historical transitions, making them important. I may have read this somewhere and adopted it as justification for my giving up on certain works. But you’ve recast this as a good writing - bad writing cycle. That makes me feel less guilty about giving up on certain of his books, but then, why is tapping out on a book, on reading someone else’s story, considered a moral failing?
Anyway, the last work of his I really enjoyed was Bleeding Edge. I stuck through the herky jerky jumping between various character conversations at the outset and felt rewarded in the end when these threads became visible as part of a great tapestry that captured those heady days in nyc before the bubble burst.
Thanks for this review though—I had never heard of or read Pynchon’s short stories, and now I’m intrigued!
I recommend starting with V. or Against the Day. The former is his first novel and is an impressive and sophisticated debut. The latter looks imposing because it's a brick, but it reads like butter, is supremely entertaining, and hits all his highest notes.
Thanks for the recommendations. After reading your article, I did a bit of digging around for his books, but wasn't too sure where to start. I'll check those two out...alright!
I finally got around to reading Gravity's Rainbow during COVID. What a puerile piece of crap. Beavis and Butthead have a more sophisticated sense of humor that Pynchon. I think less of anyone who sings his praises.
“He is turning 89 this year, unless he dies in the next few days.” Have you heard something?
Nope, but I’ve been in Pynchon death alert for 21 years.
I hardly know what to think of Pynchon but you're brave to defy the bandwagon and give us informed criticism. Bravo.
I am not a Pynchon-head but have read a few of his books and given up on a few. Till now my explanation for this was that Pynchon swings between writing accessible books followed by esoteric ones. But also books about historical transitions, making them important. I may have read this somewhere and adopted it as justification for my giving up on certain works. But you’ve recast this as a good writing - bad writing cycle. That makes me feel less guilty about giving up on certain of his books, but then, why is tapping out on a book, on reading someone else’s story, considered a moral failing?
Anyway, the last work of his I really enjoyed was Bleeding Edge. I stuck through the herky jerky jumping between various character conversations at the outset and felt rewarded in the end when these threads became visible as part of a great tapestry that captured those heady days in nyc before the bubble burst.
Thanks for this review though—I had never heard of or read Pynchon’s short stories, and now I’m intrigued!
Hmm.. I've never read Pynchon.. maybe I should check out a book or two....thanks for the info, Dane.
I recommend starting with V. or Against the Day. The former is his first novel and is an impressive and sophisticated debut. The latter looks imposing because it's a brick, but it reads like butter, is supremely entertaining, and hits all his highest notes.
Thanks for the recommendations. After reading your article, I did a bit of digging around for his books, but wasn't too sure where to start. I'll check those two out...alright!
Some people really know how to have a good time!
I finally got around to reading Gravity's Rainbow during COVID. What a puerile piece of crap. Beavis and Butthead have a more sophisticated sense of humor that Pynchon. I think less of anyone who sings his praises.