James Joyce: A Life

by Gabrielle Carey

If you know nothing about James Joyce but would like to this is the book for you. If you know a little about James Joyce and would like to know more but not too much, this is the book for you. And if you are a die-hard Joycean who has spent your life puzzling over his work but know nothing about his life, this is also the book for you.

140 pages, Hardcover

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

Gabrielle Carey was an Australian writer noted for the teen novel, Puberty Blues, which she co-wrote with Kathy Lette. This novel was the first teenage novel published in Australia that was written by teenagers.

Reviews

[Brian Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief but intriguing set of anecdotes tells the story of James Joyce within 131 pages in 84 very brief vignettes and a Coda (that is somewhat like those "this is what happened to the other characters after his death" style in the end of movies). It serves as a biographical introduction that si told in moments and anecdotes (the finest is considered that by Richard Ellmann though that bio is the full epic 800-900 page treatment). It is perfect for those who want the briefer version of Joyce's life though that doesn't dilute its excellence. It may even lead the reader to Ellmann. It's also a good primer for those want a quick return to those moments. I found it breezy in the best possible sense of the term and recommend it for all kinds of readers: those who want a one sitting version, moderate interest readers who want to investigate if deeper dives are worth it, as well as fanatics who want the whirlwind tour of his life one more time. It absolute serves its purpose. Well done.

[Jenny Esots · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite an accessible biography of James Joyce, however it is quite light on in length and scope.
Read in three hours.
Although Joyce lived through the First World War and some of the second their is scant reference to this and the impact it had on Joyce. It is just another date on the calendar, noting some travel arrangements having to be made. I was disappointed that there was little political analysis of the times, some mention of Irish Nationalism for the Irish writing fraternity, but little else was discussed in this brief tome.
His wife and children feature strongly, who come across as more of a hinderance to Joyce. Both his children struggled to find their way in adult life. Carey intimates that the presence of Joyce was so strong that they were left floundering. The daughter required long term care for her mental illness which was also costly - this is an area I would have liked Carey to explore more - but perhaps another book is necessary by another biographer.
This book is useful to whet your appetite for James Joyce - who was a famous writer in his lifetime. Perhaps his fame got in the way of his writing, but this is not discussed either.
I am interested to follow this up reading some of Joyce - a big call! As his work is not the most accessible. If nothing else the book sells Joyce as an innovative wordsmith.

[Matt Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect little biography

[Art Vanderlay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic information and a few insights into Joyce's life and issues.

[Henry Hulme · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may have finally *almost* convinced me to attempt the Wake xx