I don't even know why this book is in my shelves.

It's a mystery to me. Maybe it was a gift from someone, or perhaps I picked it up on a whim during a shopping spree.

I'm sure it's very nice, though. The cover looks appealing, with its vibrant colors and interesting design.

But for some reason, I haven't gotten around to reading it yet.

Every time I look at it, I feel a twinge of guilt for not giving it the attention it deserves.

Maybe today is the day I finally crack it open and see what it has to offer.

Who knows, it could turn out to be one of my favorite books of all time.

I'm excited to find out.

This is an incredibly well-written novel. Wolfe, who was once highly regarded, seems to have fallen out of favor in recent years. There could be several reasons for this. One might be the considerable length of his novels, which could be a deterrent for some readers. Another could be the sometimes over dramatic or larger than life feel of his prose. However, it is undeniable that Wolfe had an extraordinary way with words. His ability to craft sentences and create vivid images was truly remarkable. I firmly believe that at some point in the future, he will find his way back into the hearts and minds of readers. Stylistically, he is the polar opposite of Hemingway. While Hemingway is known for his简洁 and straightforward prose, Wolfe's writing is more elaborate and flamboyant. But despite their differences, it's hard to argue that Wolfe isn't up there with the best of American writers. His works are a testament to his talent and creativity, and they deserve to be rediscovered and appreciated.

Of Time and the River commences on the train station platform. There, Eugene Gant is on the verge of departing Altamont to pursue graduate studies at Harvard.

Fifty pages into the narrative, the train finds itself in the middle of Virginia. Here, Wolfe indulges in satire, specifically targeting George Baker's English 47 playwriting class. He does so by presenting detailed plot summaries and snippets of dialogue from the student plays.

In Cambridge, the young protagonist, Eugene, is befriended by the aesthete, Frank Starwick. The scenes set at the estate of another classmate have an uncanny resemblance to those that might be found in Fitzgerald's works.

Moreover, the novel vividly depicts the European travels of Wolfe's alter ego. I had the pleasure of reading this book simultaneously with Turnbull's biography of Wolfe. This combination provided me with an incredibly rich literary experience, allowing me to delve deeper into the mind and works of Thomas Wolfe.

It was as if I was able to witness the creation of this magnificent novel firsthand, understanding the inspirations and influences that shaped it. The intertwining of the fictional story with the real-life details of Wolfe's life added an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the entire reading experience.

A Common Reader is a wonderful work that offers unique insights into the world of literature.

It presents a collection of essays and reviews that allow the reader to explore different literary works and authors.

The author's perspective as a common reader brings a refreshing and relatable approach to literary criticism.

Through this work, we can gain a deeper understanding of the various literary styles, themes, and techniques employed by different writers.

It also encourages us to form our own opinions and interpretations of the works we read.

A Common Reader serves as a valuable resource for both avid readers and those who are just beginning to explore the world of literature.

It provides a platform for discussions and exchanges of ideas, enhancing our literary experience and appreciation.

Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the power of words.

An under-appreciated American genius exists. His works are not for everyone, but for those who are willing to take the plunge. Sit down, buckle your seatbelt, and prepare to ride the white water rapids of Wolfe's torrential prose. His writing is like a wild river, carrying the reader along with its powerful current. The words flow like water, sometimes gentle and sometimes fierce, but always captivating. Wolfe's unique style and vivid descriptions bring his stories to life, making the reader feel as if they are right there in the middle of the action. It is an experience that is not to be missed, but one that requires an open mind and a willingness to be swept away by the power of his words.

To say that Thomas Wolfe was a master wordsmith is truly an understatement. His command over the English language was remarkable. However, it is also an understatement to say that he used an excessive number of words.

As I embarked on this novel, I was once again captivated by his writing. Each paragraph seemed to be filled with profound truths, expressed in an elegant and almost poetic manner. It was as if he was painting a vivid picture with his words.

But after a while, I started to feel tired and bored. It appeared that he was deliberately prolonging the story, much like when you are in a conversation with a friend who just won't stop talking. I found myself internally screaming, "get to the point already!"

The narrative and the characters he created were indeed excellent and interesting. It was just all the unnecessary statements and digressions in between that hindered my enjoyment of the book.

Both Tolstoy and Dostoevsky were known for their wordiness, but their words had a precision that propelled the narrative forward. This is where Wolfe fell short.

Despite the fact that I enjoyed Look Homeward Angel, there were sections of it that were difficult to get through. Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this particular work. It reminds me of Kerouac's Vision's of Cody, where another great wordsmith became too enamored with the sound of his own voice, to the detriment of the reader/listener.

This book is truly much too long.

It does contain some good descriptions that manage to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind.

However, the major drawback is that the plot simply does not tie together coherently.

There are numerous loose ends and plot holes that leave the reader feeling dissatisfied.

In comparison, there are many better books available to read.

These other books offer more engaging storylines, better character development, and a more seamless flow.

One cannot help but wonder why the author did not spend more time refining the plot of this book.

Perhaps with some careful editing and restructuring, it could have been a much more enjoyable read.

As it stands, though, it fails to live up to its potential and is ultimately overshadowed by the many excellent books in the market.

Too long

Once you come to the realization that this isn't a book that you can simply breeze through without much thought, you will find that it is actually very enjoyable.

It is a story that should be read with a more discerning eye, as more of a literary masterpiece rather than just pure entertainment.

I had the opportunity to read this when I was exactly the same age as Eugene, the main character. And to my surprise, I was able to connect with the story on a plethora of levels.

The emotions and experiences that Eugene goes through in the book are so relatable, especially for someone of my age.

It made me think about my own life, my dreams, and my relationships.

Overall, it was a truly wonderful reading experience that I will always cherish.

He is, without a doubt, perhaps the greatest American writer. However, it must be admitted that he was likely extremely difficult to edit. One doesn't pick up a Thomas Wolfe book primarily for the story. Instead, one reads his works to immerse oneself in the company of this brilliant wordsmith. He spares no detail in telling us everything about his environment. He reveals all about the people, delving deep into what they think and what he himself thinks. His writing has the power to make his readers think, and that's truly remarkable. Lol. It's all great stuff.

Thomas Wolfe's writing style is unique and captivating. His vivid descriptions and in-depth characterizations draw the reader in and keep them engaged from start to finish. Despite the challenges his work may pose to editors, his literary contributions are undeniable. His books are a treasure trove of ideas and emotions, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience. Whether you're a fan of literature or simply looking for something thought-provoking to read, Thomas Wolfe's works are well worth exploring.

Full disclosure: I perused a copy of this work that was published in 1965 by Charles Scribner’s Sons. To my surprise, it turned out to be merely two isolated parts of the original novel, namely ‘Young Faustus’ and ‘Telemachus’. Strangely enough, the introduction to my copy contends that this isolation is an act of violence against any novel. But why would they do such a thing? I didn't realize that I was missing the full novel until I was well into my first reading session. It's safe to say that I definitely need to read the full novel and will obtain a proper copy at some point.

Even in this distorted copy that I read, ‘Of Time and The River’ commences roughly where ‘Look Homeward, Angel’ concluded. Eugene Gant is now a young man in Boston, attending Harvard. There are glimpses of life back home in Altamont and a plethora of new characters to encounter along the way, as well as adventures to be embarked upon. Some scenes and characters resonate strongly with me, while others do not at all.

Just as with ‘Look Homeward, Angel’, Wolfe’s ‘Of Time and The River’ requires being read in increments of 50+ pages. His prose demands some adjustment on the part of the reader.

Had Thomas Wolfe received a tighter edit and had a less sprawling, introspective prose, he would undoubtedly be one of my all-time favorites. I continuously encounter obstacles in his work. There are extensive stretches of pages that bore me to tears due to an overly flowery and pedantic style; nevertheless, there are also moments of profound depth and genius. I will eagerly revisit this work with a proper FULL copy.

Wolfe masterfully captures the essence of youth's passionate hunger for experience.

He also delves into the nostalgic loss of a father and an older way of life, while presenting a wide-eyed perspective on the bustling, mechanistic yet vital life of the modern metropolis.

There is a sense that everything is new, and yet, as the saying goes, there is nothing new under the sun.

In both style and theme, Wolfe serves as a bridge between Walt Whitman and Jack Kerouac.

Similar to Whitman, he aims to encompass all of America and all experiences with a positive outlook, yet with a touch of mystical, mournful nostalgia.

Like Whitman, he employs long lists of adjectives, elegiac litanies of description, and beautiful concatenations of rhythmic cadences to achieve his effects.

Just like Kerouac, he takes pleasure in describing interesting characters, wild drinking bouts, and an intense search for more experiences.

Also like Kerouac, he relishes in描绘 life on the road.

Of Time and the River may lack a strong plot or structure, much like time, rivers, and life itself.

Nevertheless, Wolfe is an inspired and inspiring writer.

Although best known for his novel LOOK HOMEWARD ANGEL, Wolfe's sequel entitled: OF TIME AND THE RIVER, is a forgotten gem in American literature.

Wolfe's descriptive passages in this novel are truly remarkable and are on par with those of F. Scott Fitzgerald. They have the power to transport the reader into the vivid and detailed world that Wolfe has created.

However, it must be said that the plot of OF TIME AND THE RIVER is somewhat plodding and long. It unfolds at a rather slow pace, which may test the patience of some readers.

Nevertheless, despite its flaws, this novel is well worth savoring, especially if you have the time and patience to fully immerse yourself in it. With close to 1000 pages, it offers a rich and complex exploration of themes such as time, memory, and the human condition.

So, if you are a fan of American literature and are looking for a challenging and rewarding read, give OF TIME AND THE RIVER a chance. You may just discover a hidden treasure.