On the first read of a ‘difficult’ novel, one should not attempt to analyze. Give it a non-critical read; if the author has written well, what they mean to say and to do with the book should be at least somewhat evident. Reread later, if a more in-depth understanding is desired.
To be sure, some of us are going to analyze anyway. We’ve simply read too much not to recognize what the author may be doing. Sometime, the ‘nuts and bolts’ that underlie the text can be a little too obvious! That can definitely be a fault with some literary fiction.
I am currently tackling for the first time (despite my advanced years!) the work of Proust. It is a surprisingly easy read, at least so far. And the many devices that were cutting edge when he wrote do not call undue attention to themselves. Unlike Joyce, who could be too clever for his own good.
Perhaps Proust is just a better writer. That does not mean I am particular taken with ‘Swann’s Way,’ the current book. It’s just good enough to keep me reading—again, at least so far.
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