
'Ulysses' by James Joyce is described as an experimental novel that follows the events of a single day, June 16th, 1904, in Dublin. The book delves into the lives of various characters, with a focus on Dublin school teacher Stephen Daedalus, his wife Molly Bloom, and her husband Leopold. The narrative is known for its intricate language play, stream of consciousness technique, and lack of traditional punctuation, which adds to the complexity and challenge of deciphering the plot. Readers mention that the book covers universal themes such as love, history, parenthood, friendship, and society, albeit in an obscure and oblique manner that requires deep reflection and integration to fully appreciate.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The book includes themes of sexual content, fluid sexuality, bodily functions, existential crises, and cultural prejudice.
Has Romance?
While romance is not the focal point, romantic elements and infidelity are present in Bloom's relationships.
From The Publisher:
Ulysses' takes place in a single day, 16 June 1904, also known as Bloomsday, it sets the characters and incidents of the Odyssey of Homer in modern Dublin and represents Odysseus (Ulysses), Penelope and Telemachus in the characters of Leopold Bloom, his wife Molly Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, and contrasts them with their lofty models. The book explores various areas of Dublin life, dwelling on its squalor and monotony. Nevertheless, the book is also an affectionately detailed study of the city. In Ulysses, Joyce employs stream of consciousness, parody, jokes, and virtually every other literary technique to present his characters. Many consider it the best novel of the twentieth century. It is powerfully written, a book for the ages.
Ratings (33)
Incredible (12) | |
Loved It (6) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (5) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (2) |
Reader Stats (95):
Read It (31) | |
Want To Read (48) | |
Did Not Finish (9) | |
Not Interested (7) |
2 comment(s)
DNF on page 243. Even if I've read that much, I didn't fully grasp the story. Can't see the bigger picture or why it's so deeply beloved as I just didn't get it. Maybe I'll have an better reading experience in a later date.
Read along with Jim Norton and Marcella Riordan’s audiobook.
About the Author:
James Joyce, the twentieth century's most influential novelist, was born in Dublin on February 2, 1882. The oldest of ten children, he grew up in a family that went from prosperity to penury because of his father's wastrel behavior. After…
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.