The Perils of Pynchon
As I noted in an earlier blog I have been reading Against the Day by Thomas Pynchon. It is a very satisfying but not a quick read by any means. I am almost halfway through this massive novel (almost 1100 pages) and am thoroughly enjoying it. Just so you do not think I am taking my time I have been reading other works simultaneously. This work boasts a superb style, a wildly imaginative plot & and a profusion of characters that is unrivalled. I think it is the equal of, if not superior to, his earlier novel, Gravity's Rainbow, which I did not think would be equalled. I have been savoring the novel but now alas I must pick up the pace beause in August Pynchon has another novel coming out entitled Inherent Vice. What is he trying to do to me? First of all he usually allows for a great deal of time between his novels. This new novel is only 3 years after Against the Day. The second feature to note about the forthcoming book is that it is considerably shorter than most of his other works and also a venture into a new genre with the main character being a private eye! It also might be the first filmable Pynchon novel.