Rhys Watkin’s Reviews > Dubliners > Status Update

I am suffering with a concussion at the moment so I listed to the last 2 chapters on audiobook. Have to say this collection of short stories have started make more sense to me as they have gone on. Might be the concussion, or it maybe that the two months it has taken me to read this short book have finally started to sink in. Still think it’s the concussion though. On chapter to go.

I’m having a king of love hate relationship with this. When I read it, I’m fully invested only to be let down when one of the short stories ends and the being thrown straight into the start another. Then I don’t think about it for a long time and make excuses why not to read it. But as soon as I pick it up I’m locked in. Strange but have to say it is enjoyable.

I find myself slightly lost while reading these short stories, due to both the outdated Irish slang and overall plots of each tale. Yet I find myself reading them intently, not sure if to try and unravel them or simply through enjoyment.

Just finished tho “After the Race” chapter. This keeping along with the theme of Social Stagnations seems to be an Irish lad trying to keep up with the lifestyles of the “continentals” he races with. Falling into the trappings of gambling and drinking often associated with Irish stereotypes. I could be very wrong but that is why I took away from that chapter. I’m starting to get Joyce’s writing style now.

Very interesting read so far. First book of this type I have read, but it’s interesting to see Joyce’s influence shine through my memory of the modern books I recently read. His style seems old and modern at the same time, yet while a little confusing at first, I find I’m lost in the story of a time long gone and people long dead. Yet the world seems familiar and alive.