The Complete Short Prose, 1929-1989

The magnanimity of these pieces demands what we all severely lack in the present day: patience, focus, and slowness. However, as numerous great actors have discovered in the past, there are astonishing rewards when these are read aloud. For this is that great and rare occasion where written literature transforms into oral tradition and, as such, has better chances of persevering into the future, which globally appears extremely precarious and uncertain.

Treat yourself and attempt reading Beckett aloud. The bipolarism speaks at least two languages. It offers a unique experience that can open up new dimensions of understanding and appreciation for the written word. By taking the time to read aloud, we engage with the text on a deeper level, allowing the words to come alive and resonate within us. It is a practice that can enhance our connection to literature and perhaps even provide a sense of solace and inspiration in these fast-paced and often chaotic times.

Honestly, I simply couldn't make it through all of this. Even though I had a great appreciation for Waiting for Godot, unfortunately, the majority of these other stories seem to be just far too disjointed. As a result, they fail to bring me any sense of enjoyment or convey any real meaning. It seems that despite my initial interest in Beckett's work, perhaps he just isn't the author for me after all.

I find myself struggling to connect with the fragmented nature of these tales. The lack of a coherent narrative makes it difficult for me to engage with the stories on a deeper level. While I understand that Beckett's style is unique and experimental, it just doesn't resonate with my personal literary preferences.

Maybe I'll have to explore other authors who can offer me a more straightforward and engaging reading experience. It's a shame, really, as I had hoped to discover more of Beckett's genius. But sometimes, you have to accept that certain works just aren't meant for you.

More than most great writers, Samuel Beckett dedicated his life to refining and redefining his art. This collection offers a concise and lucid portrayal of his artistic evolution, commencing from his earliest short prose and extending to his very last works. Throughout this journey, one can observe the intricate process of his transformation and the unwavering power of his writing.

Beckett can never be accused of adhering to traditionalism. It is quite palpable the precise moment when he abandoned relatively conventional modernism in favor of a new literary language that was uniquely his own. The process is evident: the shedding of superfluous language, narrative, and even character, in an attempt to achieve almost pure psychological expression. While the middle period does encompass what we would term as'stories', Beckett discards all narrative anchors in his later works. What remains is akin to an inner monologue or a state of mind. His primary concern and the overarching theme that pervades all his works is a profound meditation on being, the cruelty, despair, and loneliness inherent in human existence, and, throughout it all, the indomitable will to persevere.

This is by no means an easy read. At times, I found it almost incomprehensible. However, when it does resonate, it can be as potent as anything I have ever encountered. It demands to be read and re-read slowly, and I often struggled to maintain the thread of the work throughout its entirety. Nevertheless, I generally discovered that Beckett is at his most expressive and lucid in the final page of most of his works. I found the later works, such as 'The Lost Ones' and 'Lessness', to be more cohesive than some of his earlier experiments, although I cannot precisely articulate why. I will undoubtedly have to re-read the entire collection again at some point.

Unique writing and intense tone. It touches on themes that all of us have struggled with at times, but it can also "hide" behind a torrential rhythm of thought expression. A small reflection of our daily thinking and the way our mind struggles to think of everything... together. Generally a difficult book, since Beckett takes care once again not to give us "mashed food", but seemingly scorpion stings that concern all of us.

Those who believe that the Proverbs of the Holy Bible can be read just once and be done with it will be disappointed. It takes time, patience, often courage, and then starting all over again. But in the end, you are worthy.

The recommended dose of the Proverbs should be one page a day and always before sleep, not in order to be able to fall asleep, but as an indication of gratitude to Existence.

Reading the Proverbs is not a task to be rushed through. It is a journey of discovery and reflection. Each proverb holds a wealth of wisdom and guidance that can transform our lives if we take the time to truly understand and apply it. By reading one page a day, we allow ourselves to slowly soak in the teachings and let them penetrate our hearts and minds.

And reading before sleep has its own benefits. It helps us to calm our minds, let go of the stresses of the day, and enter a state of peace and tranquility. It also allows the words of the Proverbs to work their magic on us while we sleep, guiding our thoughts and actions in the days to come.

So, if you want to experience the full power of the Proverbs, take the time to read them slowly and deliberately, one page at a time, every day before sleep. And remember, it's not about how much you read, but how much you understand and apply.