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 
Can’t wait to have my literary experience extended yet again by the differential intelligence of you!
Don’t count on it being too drastically extended 😉 At the very least, it might be entertaining to witness my pathetic literary floundering. Always a fun thing!
Oh dear! A request to read ANOTHER “great matrix of spirals of consciousness“!? Simultaneously!? Blimey! My fragile ego… I mean brain, cannot handle another hard read. (shakes head back-n-forth with big eyes!)
Currently I am reading my good blog-friend Hariod’s book: The Sway of Contentedness – Contemplation and Mental Culture for Ghosts & Ordinary Folk! Not on this whacky world could I take on another cranial-overheater!!! No, no.
I will just have to come here Lucy to read your disjointed vague unacademic terps on it, thank you! 😉
Goodness that sounds high-brow! Rest assured, my offering will not be so challenging. But maybe more fun than the original 😉
Now fun I can do. Carry on my wayward Lady! 😀
Indeed I shall! In the most wayward manner possible, of course 😉
And should you require accompanyment, I shall gladly and BOLDLY…
consider it. Hahaha. 😉
Oh, Professor – ever the gentleman 😉
Hah! I have my moments… sometimes very short, sometimes…
well, you get the idea. 😉 😈
Haha! Indeed I do.