I Read Finnegans Wake So You Don’t Have To!
But, let me tell you now, this is no insightful academic assessment of what is perhaps the most perplexing, ambiguous and downright impenetrable work of literature known to man. One summer a couple of years ago, in-between writing my own novels of dubious quality, I fancied a bit of a literary challenge. I had participated in Bloomsday – an annual celebration of James Joyce’s other famed work, Ulysses – a few times and it struck me that maybe it was time to tackle the mighty Finnegans Wake. The idea of attempting an idiots guide (or, more appropriately, a guide by an idiot) came about after discussing my attempts at comprehension with friends.
And so this, Finnegans What?, a plaintive effort to decipher the indecipherable, was born. My method was a to read a chapter and then make notes about what I thought might be happening. These were originally posted weekly on my blog for the benefit of curious readers. So what we have here is a chapter-by-chapter explanation, as I read each in turn. This is my interpretation and musings on Joyce’s eponymous work, rather than any kind of instructional companion or serious analysis. Goodness knows, I’m not capable of that kind of high-minded literary endeavour. I’m just an ordinary person, reading Finnegans Wake.
And this is what I came up with.
Lucy Brazier 
Hehehe! Chapter by chapter, eh? How many chapters are there? 17, I see, and about 600 pages… *calculates* Hmm… about 35 pages each on average. Hmm…hmm…could I read 35 pages a day so as to keep up? Haha! Could I read 1 page a day? Or get past page 35??? But it might be worth it just for the arguments… 😉
Can’t wait! You shall be vying with Rafa for my attention, so you may need to work on your biceps…
Hahaha! I couldn’t hope to compete with the lovely Rafa but simply being mentioned in the same sentence is honour enough 🙂 Ah, proper sentences. .. I remember those…
Have a look at Book 1.1 and see what you think. Or skip straight to the song in 1.2 -you will be humming it all day. Maybe.
I had a look last night – I think I made it to halfway through the second paragraph… I’m even more impressed now that you’ve managed to come up with any theory at all! You undoubtedly deserve the ultimate accolade – The Brékkek! Kékkek! Uala! Quaouauh!! Award!
I shall flick ahead to the song with mingled anticipation and apprehension…
With a bit of perseverance it does get a bit better… or maybe I am just suitably mad enough to tolerate it… I am impressed you had a look at it! Hope you enjoy the song – ahem. I gladly accept the award, it is now my proudest achievement 😀
Oooh, Finegan’s Wake? You are a strong woman! Looking forward to your review!
So far I have a bunch of notes that consist of scattered phrases and thoughts, but mainly consist of ‘I have no idea what’s going on’ 😀