Yeah, I know that chapter really does it for a lot of people, and like I said, seriously, more power to everyone who loves it. It was the chapter where I decided I had officially died from plot starvation.
I’ve read it. (Down here in Aus). Among my literary mates, there is the usual spread - it’s either loved or loathed - probably one of the most polarising books in literature.
I think it’s f&#*ing awesome.
I just wanted to note that this post is the highlight of this entire thread for me. Truly inspired.
It made me think of a book I just read called “The Bone Clocks”. The only reason I read it was because it won a whole batch of awards. After reading it, I felt much the same as you do about Moby Dick.
But, as you conceded, to each his own.
Just for the record, this weekend is the annual 24 hour reading of Moby Dick at the New bedford Whaling Museum.
http://www.providencejournal.com/article/20160107/ENTERTAINMENTLIFE/160109601/13828/ENTERTAINMENT
Penguin publishes a heavily annotated edition of it. I assume they’re not all holding up the short legs of tables.
Reading Moby Dick is one of those amazing experiences I have no desire to repeat. It would be true to say I enjoy having read it. It would not be true to say I enjoyed reading it.
Moby Dick is a book I can admire, but not enjoy. It isn’t a bad book - at the end I didn’t feel I had wasted my time reading it - but Lord have mercy, what a slog. And as mentioned above, you can’t even get used to the style and allow for it - the darn thing jumps all over the place. I suppose that is the idea, but it’s like drinking from a fire hose.
And I wasn’t even required to read it - I did it on my own. If you liked it, God bless you.
Regards,
Shodan