Curtis’s Reviews > Mason & Dixon > Status Update
Curtis
is on page 58 of 773
Prose difficult at first; eased up as I went. Still demands more attention than usual to parse out, especially since speakers not clearly/repeatedly stated so you need to keep track. Wonderfully written once over initial hurdle; atmospheric & poetic. Quirky without being twee; fantasy elements mostly from character's superstitions. Strong incidental humour. Not super gripped yet, encouraged / intimidated. Promising!
— Nov 28, 2025 05:32PM
Like flag
Curtis’s Previous Updates
Curtis
is on page 302 of 773
Wow Pynchon is adamant about not advancing the plot. Just now did they start on the Mason-Dixon line, after a very ramblind double-dialogue with Washington & his wife. Having a hard time going with the flow of tangent upon tangent, even though by now I know the book isn't about forward momentum. I keep thinking 'style over substance' when reading this, because even characterization seems surface level.
— Dec 18, 2025 02:30PM
Curtis
is on page 257 of 773
Still not super keen on it; seems to have flashes that I really enjoy, but lots of moments that are free floating and prose-focused. Segmented storytelling similar to Wind Up Bird Chronicles, other surrealist novels. Only titular characters stand out, plus quirky characters that never come back again after short appearances. Pynchon can build a sentence but isn't as strong with plots.
— Dec 16, 2025 05:34PM
Curtis
is on page 207 of 773
Went through very rough patch where lack of inciting incident, minimal characterization, loose story structure began to irk. Now seems things picking up with needed insight into Mason's character, conflict at home, call to action. Trying to go with flow of post-modern/surreal variety of events that seem unconnected (the ear in a jar etc). Not easy read, unnaounced time jumping a bit frustrating. Willing to continue.
— Dec 10, 2025 01:15PM
Curtis
is on page 116 of 773
Might be a bit episodic in plot, with M&D getting into various separate adventures in each location? Slow paced, but not bloated. Transit of Venus beautifully done, wonders of science, esp. for the time, well communicated. Contrasted against ugly colonial backdrop of slavery, human auctions, girls sexualized (in way I thought a bit dicey from the author; creepy territory). Hope more characterizing M&D. Overall good!
— Dec 01, 2025 09:26AM
