The story presented some truly incredible scenes that were brought to life through wonderful writing. However, it also suffered from a significant drawback. There were far too many long and boring passages that seemed to drag on and on.

As a result, the overall experience felt overblown, as if the author was trying too hard to make an impact. The excessive writing made the narrative feel overwritten, lacking the necessary brevity and clarity.

Moreover, the length of the story contributed to the sense of it being overlong. It could have been more engaging and effective if some of the unnecessary details and overly elaborate descriptions had been trimmed.

In conclusion, while the story had its闪光点 in terms of the wonderful writing and incredible scenes, the abundance of long and boring passages detracted from its overall quality. A more balanced approach to writing, with greater attention to brevity and pacing, would have made it a more enjoyable read.

A rich white man is engaged in excessive navel-gazing, and it is truly in desperate need of some serious editing.

He is so self-absorbed that it becomes almost painful to observe.

His constant preoccupation with himself and his own thoughts seems to overshadow everything else around him.

One wonders if he is even aware of the world outside his own narrow perspective.

Perhaps he should take a step back and realize that there is a whole universe of experiences and people waiting to be discovered.

Until then, his navel-gazing will continue to be a source of both amusement and pity for those who witness it.

It is time for him to break free from his self-imposed bubble and embrace the richness and diversity of the world that surrounds him.

Only then can he truly begin to grow and evolve as a person.

Incredible

Thomas Wolfe's work is truly remarkable. His novels are considered among the greats of the twentieth century. One such outstanding piece is the sequel to his masterpiece "Look Homeward, Angel". This sequel continues to captivate readers with its rich and vivid portrayal of characters and their lives. Wolfe's writing style is unique, filled with passion and depth. He has the ability to bring the story to life, making the readers feel as if they are a part of it. The sequel builds upon the foundation laid by the first novel, exploring new themes and developments. It delves deeper into the characters' emotions, desires, and struggles. Overall, it is a must-read for any lover of literature, offering a profound and unforgettable reading experience.

In 2020, I read this book.

It is truly a respectable one, with a rich and detailed narration.

This work leans more towards being a character novel, and the significance of the narration cannot be overemphasized.

It is not an action-packed novel, nor is it, strictly speaking, an adventure novel.

If your expectation is to find intense tension and unexpected surprises, you will be disappointed as that is not what this book offers.

Instead, it delves deep into the characters, their emotions, and their inner worlds, providing a more profound and thought-provoking reading experience.

It requires the reader to slow down, immerse themselves in the story, and appreciate the subtleties of the characters and the narrative.

Overall, it is a unique and engaging book that offers a different kind of literary enjoyment.

I know I'm an anomaly, but I firmly believe that TW is the greatest writer of all time! Yes, take that Shakespeare, Sir Francis Bacon, or whoever else!

I just completed reading LHA for the third time and immediately delved into OTATR. It is truly comprehensive in its exploration of the human condition. I'm currently at Gant's deathbed scene, and it's astonishing how TW masterfully ties in Helen's self-realization about her crazed great father and her place in society.

I love the way TW so skillfully returns to the lives of the Altamont people, vividly depicting Eugene's ongoing process of learning what it means to be human. One of the reasons I aspired to be a HS English teacher was because of Wolfe's work. (Little did I know the harsh reality of the world at 23, just like the novel's autobiographical protagonist.)

After approximately 30 years, re-reading this, I'm amazed at how deeply I still love TW's writing style. Yes, he may ramble at times, and yes, he can be overblown, but his empathy for the entirety of the human condition is timeless. Having recently endured a massive loss, I can definitely identify with the themes of LHA and OTATR. "Oh Lost!" Eugene Gant is the ultimate outsider, yet he strives and hungers to fit in without sacrificing his self-integrity.

Quizás, si escogiera y me deleitase una y otra vez con cada una de las frases que he seleccionado y marcado con mis post its, sería el mejor libro jamás escrito.

Es un clásico de la literatura universal que va de la mano de Thomas Mann y de Marcel Proust. Sin embargo, es cierto que la narrativa tan densa puede distraernos del relato. Es un mar infinito de relaciones personales que nos saca de la historia. Llegamos a la conclusión de que la vida no es más que eso, que somos el producto de las interacciones con otros iguales. Pero sus más de ochocientas páginas, una letra minúscula, su condenado ritmo narrativo y la dificultad en sus metáforas, han hecho de enfrentarse a este portentoso gigante de la literatura casi una odisea titánica.

Yo llegué a él gracias a la película "el editor de libros", que es muy recomendable. Supo que este libro tuvo que ser revisado miles de veces y capado por el editor en cuestión, que veía mucho potencial en él. Solo Dios sabe cuánto hubiera medido el conjunto completo final de Del tiempo y el río.

I would ordinarily give this a five-star rating without hesitation because I firmly believe that Thomas Wolfe is the most underrated American novelist EVER. His works possess a unique charm and depth that is often overlooked in the literary world.

However, there is one significant drawback to this particular piece. It is way too long! While many parts of it, especially his adventures in France, were truly brilliant and captivating, at times, his poetic prose seemed to ramble on without a clear direction.

Nonetheless, I do recommend people reading this if they have a genuine interest in completing the trilogy that includes "Look Homeward" and "You Can't Go Home." It provides a valuable addition to the overall narrative and offers insights into Wolfe's creative mind.

In conclusion, although this work has its flaws, I'm glad I took the time to read it. It has given me a greater appreciation for Thomas Wolfe's talent and has left me eager to explore more of his literary contributions.

I struggled through "Look Homeward, Angel" years ago.

If I remember right, I gave it up at the halfway point. The writing was just too wandery and overloaded with purple prose.

When it comes to descriptions, Wolfe never confines himself to just a couple of sentences. Instead, he devotes several paragraphs to describing the sky and its effect on the town, characters, trees, leaves, birds, grass, and dust motes.

The dialogue was awkward, and there were far too many ellipses, which only bloated the book up even more.

The plot unspools extremely slowly, and there's an abundance of wishy-washy philosophy.

Here's the thing. Wolfe may indeed be a wonderful writer. He may very well know how to write a novel that delves into the heart of disillusioned youth in America, basing it on his own life experiences as a disillusioned youth in America.

However, the whole thing is lost in the overblown prose and lack of proper editing. He seems to have a penchant for every word he comes across and abuses his thesaurus like crazy.

I, too, quit this book at about the halfway mark because life is simply too short to waste on bad books.

Thomas Wolfe may not be on the same exalted plane as Fitzgerald and Hemingway, but that doesn't mean he is any less worthy of our attention.

You turn to Wolfe for the sheer beauty and power of his prose, and for his unique perspective on the meaning of life.

Unlike some other writers, such as Bellow, Wolfe doesn't burden his work with an overabundance of intellectualism. Instead, he has a remarkable ability to express deep and complex feelings in a way that is both accessible and moving.

As an American writer, Wolfe captures the essence of the American experience, with all its joys, sorrows, and contradictions. His works are a testament to the human spirit and a reminder of the power of literature to touch our hearts and minds.

So, while he may not be in the same league as some of the literary giants, Thomas Wolfe has his own unique place in the pantheon of American literature, and his works are well worth reading and exploring.

I especially appreciate Pat Conroy's Introduction in this edition.

It provides a counterpoint to the views of so many critics and reviewers who are not big fans of Wolfe.

His introduction offers a unique perspective that enriches the reading experience.

After delving into the rest of Wolfe's novels, I have developed a strong desire to explore some of Conroy's works as well.

I am intrigued by the possibility of discovering his literary style and the themes he explores.

Perhaps his writing will offer a different kind of literary adventure, one that complements and expands upon my understanding of literature.

I look forward to immersing myself in Conroy's novels and seeing how they compare to Wolfe's.

Who knows what new insights and perspectives I will gain from reading both authors?

It is an exciting prospect that fills me with anticipation.

I can't wait to begin this new literary journey and see where it takes me.

On a scale of 1 - 5, I would unhesitatingly give this a 7.

It is truly the quintessential book that delves deep into the essence of man's youth in America. The pace of the narrative may seem slow at times, but it is precisely this slowness that allows for a journey that is both deep and profound.

Wolfe is, without a doubt, one of the most underestimated American authors. His prose is nothing short of a masterpiece, being the most poetic of the 20th century. I find myself completely immersed in his vivid details and descriptions.

Every word seems to paint a picture that comes alive in my mind, transporting me to the very heart of the story.

It is a literary experience like no other, and I am truly grateful to have discovered this work.

-Daniel J. Rice, author of THIS SIDE OF A WILDERNESS, and THE UNPEOPLED SEASON

If there was a point to this book, it eluded me.

Although I'm aware that Wolfe intended to capture every sensation, thought, and nuance of his young mind and experiences.

The story isn't really a story. Instead, there's a ton of reflection on the passage of time and the frailty of the moment. I got that.

However, I also got the gratuitous racism and bias that served no real purpose, and the pervasive self-absorption.

It makes me wonder, what's the point?

Is it just to show how complex and flawed the human mind can be? Or is there something more profound that I'm missing?

Perhaps with a second reading, I might be able to uncover the hidden meaning that seems to be lurking beneath the surface.

But for now, I'm left with a sense of confusion and disappointment.