The Reading Challenge Group discussion

I bought this recently, and I know it's like the considered one of the greatest books ever. What are people's views on it?

I know there is the general recommendation to read some Homer before. Do you think it's worth it?

From what I've heard, knowing the story of The Odyssey would probably help, since it's kind of a modern retelling.

I certainly won't get around to reading this in January, but I might try for February.

Have you read Joyce before? I hear Ulysses isn't the easiest but certianly not his hardest (that would be Finnegans Wake).

I would say read The Odyssey first

I've just started this. After doing some research, many people said that The Odyssey references aren't major, and you can just read a summary of each character to get a feel for how they link to the ones in Ulysses. I will definitely get round to reading it though.

Ultimately, I want to read Ulysses because it's Ulysses, rather than reading it as a 'modern The Odyssey'.

Holly wrote: "I've just started this. After doing some research, many people said that The Odyssey references aren't major, and you can just read a summary of each character to get a feel for how they link to th..."

Wow, there's no holding you back this year! Go, girl. :)

I know. I'm slightly worried about my sanity!

I started this book about five times, and gave up every time. I think my record is about twenty pages. Maybe I'm too literal in my thinking, (or a bit dense) but I just couldn't understand what was going on.

Good luck!

I never posted about it!

I finished a few weeks ago. I must admit, I didn't understand half of it, but I finished it!

Started reading Ulysses this year and am about two thirds finished. For some reason I kept thinking that this is a "Holly" book but couldn't think why. Until I just stumbled across this old thread. :)

Glad to know you Mae it through! It has been slow going and I'm making liberal use of Sparknotes. :P

I finally did finish Ulysses before the end of 2016. It was very challenging. One day I hope to read it again with a group that is really up for that challenge and some massive discussion!

I finished it in 2015, and I have to say it took me a long time to read it. I started Finnegan's Wake and had no idea what was going on, even after checking the internet. After 75 pages I decided that it wasn't worth the effort, especially when there are so many books on my TBR list.
I can see why Ulysses is considered a "great" book. There are so many layers of meaning.