anndahlquist's Reviews (156)

This book has been on my “currently reading” for over 5 years and in the back of my mind for about 11. I was determined to read it simply for its reputation of being difficult to read, overly pretentious and read by people who no doubt considered themselves above me. 
Over the years I’ve failed in many attempts to read this book for the simple fact that there is entirely too much detail, too many characters, and too much conspiracy for it to be set down for any amount of time. But now we’re in a pandemic and so, furloughed and prevented from social interactions I decided to gobble down this behemoth in as close to one sitting as possible... and by god I have at last succeeded. 
This book gets 4 stars because Pynchon is no doubt skilled, and having the intellect and audacity to follow through with such a work of art does score some points with me. Did I enjoy this book? Do I want to reread it in order to truly absorb all that it has to offer as the forums suggest? No. 
But it is still a 4 star book. 
Personally, I feel under qualified to attempt any sort of critical analysis, and so will leave that to the enthusiasts. I am not ashamed to admit that I probably missed a lot and that others will glean more from this book than I have.