If you read a book too difficult for you, how do you go about understanding it better without re-reading it immediately? I just read Omensetter's Luck by William Gass and though the book was amazing it was a little too difficult for me to completely understand. I've looked for online resources to help, but there doesn't seem like much on it. Please help
Re-reading is arguably more important than reading in the first place. I don't understand a good bit of Gravity's Rainbow, but that doesn't stop me from coming back to it every few years to see if I can chip away it a bit more.
I actually just picked this one up from my most recent NYRB haul. Out of curiosity have you looked into Leonardo Sciascia? He's had quite a few printed in the NYRB line. The Wine Dark Sea is amazing.
MAC New York review of books. A brilliant publisher of literary/obscure titles. Often in translation and often fiction. Do you know The Criterion Collection DVDs? I think of NYRB like the book equivalent
So I’ve just finished watching your story of the eye review after reading the book. In the review you mentioned your film project and “The Path of Consumption”. Do you have any updates on TPoF? Would like to know since you only mentioned it by name.
Thank you, I've read half a dozen novels by Giono and thought that I was pretty comprehensive in my knowledge of Giono titles, but I have not heard of this. Two Riders on the Storm, The Horseman on the Roof, Blue Boy, The Joy of Man's Desiring, Straw Man, The Man Who Planted Trees, The Song of the World-strong books. My TBR Giono is To the Slaughterhouse, about WWI, recommended by Henry Miller on on of his famous lists. I remember this about Giono: that he idolized Melville, which Miller could not fathom who detested Moby Dick, a book that Giono revered like the Bible.
I bought a copy of "To the Slaughterhouse" from a used bookstore a while ago for about 25 cents. I was familiar with the author but I didn't open it yet and now it's staying under a pile of books in a box. Your comment hooked my attention so I'll probably give it a read in the close future. By the way, if you are a fan of WWI novels and French literature I recommend two other books that are probably similar to "To the Slaughterhouse". The novels are called "Under Fire" by Henri Barbusse (Hemingway was a fan of this) and a more unknown title, a book called "Wooden Crosses" by Roland Dorgelès. Cheers!
@@ioanvlad4008 another thought re: WWI lit. One volume of Cendrar's autobiographical tetralogy is dedicated (prob. not the right word) to his experience in the trenches as a corporal in the French Foreign Legion (he was Swiss). In Eng. it is translated as Lice. The other three, all of which I believe elucidate some war experience, his and that of others, including that of his son Remy who died in WWII, are Sky, Planus, The Astonished Man. These are essential; among the best things I've ever read.
@@reaganwiles_art Thank you sir for those titles! "among the best things I've ever read" - you sparked my curiosity. On this topic, lots of WWI books set on the Western Front but how about a novel from the Eastern Front? The novel is called "Forest of the Hanged"(great title) by Liviu Rebreanu. It is one of the most acclaimed novels in its home country (Romania) and it is in the vein of our conversation as well :) Cheers!
I recommend Regain by Giono and then read Regain (a play) by Marcel Pagnol based on the novel by Giono and then watch the film by Pagnol based on the play based on the book!! It is how I learn French
There's a very good radio/podcast adaptation of the book, it is in french though (I listen to it to learn french). Very well done, the first three episodes are just so fantastic, you hear the wind howl, the loneliness of the village, surrounded by snow and mountains, a raven flying by, someone making a fire to get warm etc.... And then, yes, the story goes completely in another direction and left me puzzled, but fascinated. I also struggled to find the meaning and completely agree with your review. Haven't read the book, but these radio adaptations follow the book narrative closely. www.franceculture.fr/emissions/fictions-le-feuilleton/un-roi-sans-divertissement-de-jean-giono
I'll file this away for the next time I feel like reading a book that I don't understand, last time I had an experience like this was with Can Xue. And Clarice Lispector!
Great choice, have you ever read 'The Death of the Detective' by Mark Smith? Just read it and it seems to be something right in line with your sensibilities.
Jean Giono wrote a most brilliant essay about US Massey-Fergusson machines & engines invading Europe post-WW2 and the subsequent, inevitable death of True Eternal France 💃🇨🇵🥂
Thank you for your review. BTW Jean Giono also wrote the screenplay when it was made into a film in the early 1960s with Claude Giraud as Langlois, his first lead role. Here's a short clip: ruclips.net/video/hWpMXqEPKE0/видео.html
Ha come on mate don't disrespect the Harry Potter series like that! It has it's place and value (as fantasy is concerned). For some people the series is what started a long term passion for reading books; later on in the said persons reading career they may have read and liked the books that you consider to be of better quality. Just saying.
I took in this review, then read the book, and now the review again. Yes, I still don't get it. You seem on the mark. I first read The Song of the World and, as an anthropologist I thought what in god's name culture is this? I don't understand. (Will reread). Now starting The Horseman on the Roof. ah, Giono...what a challenge.
So "A King Alone" is actually one of my favorite book because of all the meaning that goes beyond what is written. I am French and therefore read it in French, but I was curious of how the book was perceived by English speakers. All actions in the book have some sense if we know what's really going on. The parallel between M.V. and the wolf is just a hint, telling us of were-wolves. The disease is contagious and the close proximity with the killer will get you infected. In the scene where Frederic II follows the killer, the book describes him as an animal as he is walking in the same tracks as the killer, again they are the same. At the end, Langlois is getting married to try to escape the reality of it, but finds out they is no other way than taking his own life. All human are the same, so to keep them from dark thoughts caused by never ending winters, they need to always be entertained, by colorful ceremonies. This book is also linked to the play Faust by Goeth. Well there is so much more to tell about it but I would need to write an essay. I had a professor in school writing papers on this novel. This quite unique book got me fascinated.
@@Gus0205 super, ça met bien dans l'ambiance. L'un des livres les plus sous-côté de la littérature Française selon moi. Si t'as des théories sur le livre d'ailleurs, je suis preneur.
@kenmorley2339 wow I forgot I wrote this comment 3 years ago. I read the book once more last year, and discovered a reference to The Stranger by Camus. This book keeps on giving. What exactly do you need?
"I'm not smart enough." Oh, bullshit. You're reading a novel, not a tract on quantum field theory. If an author is deliberately abstruse it's his own failing, not yours.
Damn dude, bomb sweater
Hi Cliff. You hit a home run with another great book review. Have a great day!👍🏼💙
If you read a book too difficult for you, how do you go about understanding it better without re-reading it immediately? I just read Omensetter's Luck by William Gass and though the book was amazing it was a little too difficult for me to completely understand. I've looked for online resources to help, but there doesn't seem like much on it. Please help
There's not much to do except re-read, I've found in my experience.
Put it down, read it a year or two later.
Re-reading is arguably more important than reading in the first place. I don't understand a good bit of Gravity's Rainbow, but that doesn't stop me from coming back to it every few years to see if I can chip away it a bit more.
Great review,I read it this summer,just rereading it now. Brilliant in its complexity and narrative.
I actually just picked this one up from my most recent NYRB haul. Out of curiosity have you looked into Leonardo Sciascia? He's had quite a few printed in the NYRB line. The Wine Dark Sea is amazing.
Williams Reptiles The Day of The Owl, too. Brilliant
I'll add my endorsement of Sciascia--brilliant but well-controlled writer, admired by discerning readers.
What does NYRB mean?
MAC New York review of books. A brilliant publisher of literary/obscure titles. Often in translation and often fiction. Do you know The Criterion Collection DVDs? I think of NYRB like the book equivalent
@@87YeaYea ok cool. Thanks very much will check it out!
So I’ve just finished watching your story of the eye review after reading the book. In the review you mentioned your film project and “The Path of Consumption”. Do you have any updates on TPoF?
Would like to know since you only mentioned it by name.
It's funny how I've come across your comment after having just finished reading 'Story of the Eye' for the first time today!
Thank you, I've read half a dozen novels by Giono and thought that I was pretty comprehensive in my knowledge of Giono titles, but I have not heard of this. Two Riders on the Storm, The Horseman on the Roof, Blue Boy, The Joy of Man's Desiring, Straw Man, The Man Who Planted Trees, The Song of the World-strong books. My TBR Giono is To the Slaughterhouse, about WWI, recommended by Henry Miller on on of his famous lists. I remember this about Giono: that he idolized Melville, which Miller could not fathom who detested Moby Dick, a book that Giono revered like the Bible.
I bought a copy of "To the Slaughterhouse" from a used bookstore a while ago for about 25 cents. I was familiar with the author but I didn't open it yet and now it's staying under a pile of books in a box. Your comment hooked my attention so I'll probably give it a read in the close future. By the way, if you are a fan of WWI novels and French literature I recommend two other books that are probably similar to "To the Slaughterhouse". The novels are called "Under Fire" by Henri Barbusse (Hemingway was a fan of this) and a more unknown title, a book called "Wooden Crosses" by Roland Dorgelès. Cheers!
@@ioanvlad4008 thank you much sir
@@ioanvlad4008 another thought re: WWI lit. One volume of Cendrar's autobiographical tetralogy is dedicated (prob. not the right word) to his experience in the trenches as a corporal in the French Foreign Legion (he was Swiss). In Eng. it is translated as Lice. The other three, all of which I believe elucidate some war experience, his and that of others, including that of his son Remy who died in WWII, are Sky, Planus, The Astonished Man.
These are essential; among the best things I've ever read.
@@reaganwiles_art Thank you sir for those titles! "among the best things I've ever read" - you sparked my curiosity. On this topic, lots of WWI books set on the Western Front but how about a novel from the Eastern Front? The novel is called "Forest of the Hanged"(great title) by Liviu Rebreanu. It is one of the most acclaimed novels in its home country (Romania) and it is in the vein of our conversation as well :) Cheers!
@@ioanvlad4008 thank you again
I recommend Regain by Giono and then read Regain (a play) by Marcel Pagnol based on the novel by Giono and then watch the film by Pagnol based on the play based on the book!! It is how I learn French
This book review has helped me to understand this book a bit better. Thank you!
Damn for a second I thought you were going to review some poetry of John Giorno; I need glasses
There's a very good radio/podcast adaptation of the book, it is in french though (I listen to it to learn french). Very well done, the first three episodes are just so fantastic, you hear the wind howl, the loneliness of the village, surrounded by snow and mountains, a raven flying by, someone making a fire to get warm etc.... And then, yes, the story goes completely in another direction and left me puzzled, but fascinated. I also struggled to find the meaning and completely agree with your review. Haven't read the book, but these radio adaptations follow the book narrative closely.
www.franceculture.fr/emissions/fictions-le-feuilleton/un-roi-sans-divertissement-de-jean-giono
I think you should review "The Overstory" by Richard Powers sometime. Love the channel!
I just read this. Yep, you're not wrong about how it's wonderful and confusing. Good take on it, I think. My favourite part was the atmosphere
I'll file this away for the next time I feel like reading a book that I don't understand, last time I had an experience like this was with Can Xue. And Clarice Lispector!
It would be fabulous if you made a review for the egg by Michael Gira, love you cliff
I gotta recommend 'Notes From the Hyena's Belly' by Nega Mezlekia
The book was made into a movie in 1963, directed by Francois Leterrier. (I haven't seen it, though.)
Great choice, have you ever read 'The Death of the Detective' by Mark Smith? Just read it and it seems to be something right in line with your sensibilities.
Jean Giono wrote a most brilliant essay about US Massey-Fergusson machines & engines invading Europe post-WW2 and the subsequent, inevitable death of True Eternal France 💃🇨🇵🥂
Hey, you like Argentinian writers? Try The mediocre man by José Ingenieros. And you have to visit Argentina too ! Beatiful place too.
You should check solenoid by mircea cartarescu
Thank you for your review. BTW Jean Giono also wrote the screenplay when it was made into a film in the early 1960s with Claude Giraud as Langlois, his first lead role. Here's a short clip: ruclips.net/video/hWpMXqEPKE0/видео.html
Beats me as to why they gave it this title in English. A literal translation would be "A King Without Entertainment".
Why would anyone thumb down this? Whatever. Must be Harry Potter reader.
Ha come on mate don't disrespect the Harry Potter series like that! It has it's place and value (as fantasy is concerned). For some people the series is what started a long term passion for reading books; later on in the said persons reading career they may have read and liked the books that you consider to be of better quality. Just saying.
I took in this review, then read the book, and now the review again. Yes, I still don't get it. You seem on the mark. I first read The Song of the World and, as an anthropologist I thought what in god's name culture is this? I don't understand. (Will reread). Now starting The Horseman on the Roof. ah, Giono...what a challenge.
You heard the new Nick Cave record? My friend says it's their aoty
It's very beautiful
So "A King Alone" is actually one of my favorite book because of all the meaning that goes beyond what is written. I am French and therefore read it in French, but I was curious of how the book was perceived by English speakers. All actions in the book have some sense if we know what's really going on. The parallel between M.V. and the wolf is just a hint, telling us of were-wolves. The disease is contagious and the close proximity with the killer will get you infected. In the scene where Frederic II follows the killer, the book describes him as an animal as he is walking in the same tracks as the killer, again they are the same. At the end, Langlois is getting married to try to escape the reality of it, but finds out they is no other way than taking his own life. All human are the same, so to keep them from dark thoughts caused by never ending winters, they need to always be entertained, by colorful ceremonies. This book is also linked to the play Faust by Goeth. Well there is so much more to tell about it but I would need to write an essay. I had a professor in school writing papers on this novel. This quite unique book got me fascinated.
bien fait, à mon avis www.franceculture.fr/emissions/fictions-le-feuilleton/un-roi-sans-divertissement-de-jean-giono
@@Gus0205 super, ça met bien dans l'ambiance. L'un des livres les plus sous-côté de la littérature Française selon moi. Si t'as des théories sur le livre d'ailleurs, je suis preneur.
And you need to be familiar with Perceval , Pensees , Sylvie and Dante's Inferno . 12:59
@geofmout6010 Please would you help me with the reference to M. Bareme ? Merci
@kenmorley2339 wow I forgot I wrote this comment 3 years ago. I read the book once more last year, and discovered a reference to The Stranger by Camus. This book keeps on giving. What exactly do you need?
"I'm not smart enough." Oh, bullshit. You're reading a novel, not a tract on quantum field theory. If an author is deliberately abstruse it's his own failing, not yours.