I am surprised by a hesitation to recommend The Bee Sting. I loved reading it. One of the most satisfying books I’ve read in a couple years. I would recommend it to anyone capable of handling a long, engrossing book.
I absolutely took your point that the events of the book felt contrived, especially towards the end. When you have spent 500 pages meticulously detailing the inner world of these characters, the abrupt shift to external events felt melodramatic to me (a storm, being lost, a weapon - really?) . I think the direction was absolutely right but it suddenly felt like I was reading a book driven by plot rather than character. For me, this let down the incredible groundwork that Murray put in…
I've been thinking of reading this book for a while. I'm still uncertain because I vaguely remember Tyson saying he found the style frustrating at times and Tyson is usually pretty patient about this kind of thing🙂 (I also find it harder to commit to a book that may require patience knowing that it's over 700 pages long.) Nevertheless, I enjoyed your high-level discussion and it made me want to read the book more rather than less, so sooner or later I'll probably give it a try, especially if you do decide to read it again this year.
Thank you, Mike! It's more likely that I continue reading other novels guided by the concern with the theme of family. The Thibaults (by Roger Martin du Gard) offers an intense exploration of family, especially in the relationship between two brothers at the center of the story. The Thibaults has four volumes, of which I'm currently reading volume two. After that, I am planning to read 'Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family,' which was sent to me by our friend, Parastoo. After these two works, I'd like to read 'The Bee Sting' again. I'd be very interested in hearing what you think of the novel, if you end up reading it.
@@DavoodGozli On the topic of family, I've very recently filmed a review on "A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley, which I hope to get published soon after a bit of editing. I quite enjoyed the novel, which is a modern retelling of King Lear that takes place in a farming community in Iowa. Like Shakespeare's original work, family relationships and history are heavily explored, this time from the perspective of one of the "evil" daughters.
I completely understand that assessment. I think the mess you’re referring to is quite demanding and requires a lot of trust in the writer. I wouldn’t have read this book without the recommendation of a trusted friend.
He is trying to give us the raw material of experience and the types of mental life reflected in language. It was quite demanding for me, as well. And I am still bothered by the question 'What is it about Imelda that is reflected in the absence of punctuation?' Every character brings a style of seeing, so What is it that Imelda sees and what is it that she doesn't see? I come up with answers every once in a while, but the questions persist.
read it, loved it. i think paul murray is wonderful
I am surprised by a hesitation to recommend The Bee Sting. I loved reading it. One of the most satisfying books I’ve read in a couple years. I would recommend it to anyone capable of handling a long, engrossing book.
Agreed. One of the best books I read recently.
I absolutely took your point that the events of the book felt contrived, especially towards the end. When you have spent 500 pages meticulously detailing the inner world of these characters, the abrupt shift to external events felt melodramatic to me (a storm, being lost, a weapon - really?) . I think the direction was absolutely right but it suddenly felt like I was reading a book driven by plot rather than character. For me, this let down the incredible groundwork that Murray put in…
I've been thinking of reading this book for a while. I'm still uncertain because I vaguely remember Tyson saying he found the style frustrating at times and Tyson is usually pretty patient about this kind of thing🙂 (I also find it harder to commit to a book that may require patience knowing that it's over 700 pages long.) Nevertheless, I enjoyed your high-level discussion and it made me want to read the book more rather than less, so sooner or later I'll probably give it a try, especially if you do decide to read it again this year.
Thank you, Mike! It's more likely that I continue reading other novels guided by the concern with the theme of family. The Thibaults (by Roger Martin du Gard) offers an intense exploration of family, especially in the relationship between two brothers at the center of the story. The Thibaults has four volumes, of which I'm currently reading volume two. After that, I am planning to read 'Buddenbrooks: The Decline of a Family,' which was sent to me by our friend, Parastoo. After these two works, I'd like to read 'The Bee Sting' again. I'd be very interested in hearing what you think of the novel, if you end up reading it.
@@DavoodGozli Ooh! Buddenbrooks is one I would like to read at some point as well. I might go for The Bee Sting first though.
@@DavoodGozli On the topic of family, I've very recently filmed a review on "A Thousand Acres" by Jane Smiley, which I hope to get published soon after a bit of editing. I quite enjoyed the novel, which is a modern retelling of King Lear that takes place in a farming community in Iowa. Like Shakespeare's original work, family relationships and history are heavily explored, this time from the perspective of one of the "evil" daughters.
I think this book is a MESS; I can't follow it so I'm giving up on this book.
I completely understand that assessment. I think the mess you’re referring to is quite demanding and requires a lot of trust in the writer. I wouldn’t have read this book without the recommendation of a trusted friend.
👍
🤘
REALLY struggled with the style. 150 pages in, and the author stops using punctuation. Why does he hate us?
He is trying to give us the raw material of experience and the types of mental life reflected in language. It was quite demanding for me, as well. And I am still bothered by the question 'What is it about Imelda that is reflected in the absence of punctuation?' Every character brings a style of seeing, so What is it that Imelda sees and what is it that she doesn't see? I come up with answers every once in a while, but the questions persist.
The specific style is chosen to portray her anxiety, the way she does things in a rush, irrational at times .