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Saturday, January 15, 2011

James Joyce and The King's Speech


OK - I went to Chapters. I found James Joyce's Ulysses. I picked it up - I put my back out. OK - not the last bit. But it is a tome - the only word that can describe the heft and size of this book.

I read snatches of the lengthy introduction. I read bits here and there at random and - sigh - I put it back on the shelf.

I don't have the discipline to tackle it - not right now. And this is coming from a woman who, in my arrogant (humble?) opinion has a great deal of self discipline.

It's on my list for next year when I have sunk deeper into retirement and am doing about half the work I am doing now. Right now, work, yoga and French are enough (and sporadic German).

James Joyce is going to be a piece of work - in this case, in the literal sense.

On another note, The King's Speech is one of the best movies I have seen in quite some time. Geoffrey Rush, Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter all give Oscar worthy performances. In fact, it is worthy of the best picture Oscar, although The Social Network will win it. The awards become more predictable every year.

My recommendation for today? Go see The King's Speech. Ulysses? - Do it if you dare.

1 comment:

  1. I took a 400 level English class one time. It was all about James Joyce, we spend probably 75% of the time hammering away at Ulysses. It was a funny class taught by a *flaming* octogenarian Irishman, who taught at Trinity University he'll have you know. Back when they IRA was bombing the buses. I had such a good time in that class, I recall one incident.

    Professor: Blah blah blah adjectives blah blah irish blah [Matt puts up hand] bomb & cheese blah blah penetration blah blah, Yes Matt?
    Matt: What's an adjective?
    Professor: [stunned silence or maybe trying to figure out if I was pulling his leg]

    That was a great class.

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