It is a pleasant introduction to James Joyce and his life. It is written in an accessible style, making it easy to read. However, it should be noted that this is JUST an introduction. One should not expect to find detailed information about the sources or have a more in-depth exploration of any particular aspect.

The book, perhaps just this edition, unfortunately contains numerous punctuation errors and typos. These mistakes somewhat detract from the reading experience, making it less enjoyable.

Despite this, Edna O'Brien's clear fascination for James Joyce is evident throughout the text. Interestingly, she also manages to convey what an unpleasant person he might have been. This aspect adds an extra layer of intrigue to the book. Overall, while the introduction has its flaws, it still provides some valuable insights into the life and character of James Joyce.

This piece is truly a beautiful and lyrical read.

It takes the reader on a journey filled with emotions and vivid descriptions.

However, it must be noted that at times, the subject matter can seem a bit dodgy.

There are moments when the content might make one raise an eyebrow or question its authenticity.

But despite this, the overall excellence of the writing cannot be denied.

The author has a remarkable ability to craft sentences that flow smoothly and paint a picture in the reader's mind.

The use of language is masterful, with words chosen carefully to create the perfect mood and atmosphere.

Even with the occasional questionable subject matter, the beauty and artistry of the writing shine through, making it a truly excellent piece that is well worth reading.

Mad, mad Ireland hurt you.

It was a land filled with turmoil and unrest, where the actions of its people seemed to be driven by an uncontrollable madness. You, an innocent soul, became a victim of this chaos.

The violence and strife that plagued Ireland during that time left deep wounds on your heart and spirit. You witnessed the destruction and pain, and it forever changed you.

But despite the hurt, you refused to let it break you. You found strength within yourself to endure and move forward.

Mad, mad Ireland may have hurt you, but it also made you stronger. You emerged from the ashes with a newfound resilience and a determination to create a better future for yourself and those around you.

Your story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most difficult of circumstances. It is a story of hope and perseverance in the face of madness.

And as you look back on your journey, you know that although Ireland may have hurt you, it also taught you valuable lessons that will stay with you for a lifetime.

You are a survivor, and your story will inspire others to keep fighting, no matter what challenges they may face.

Mad, mad Ireland may have left its mark on you, but it will never define you.

Maybe one level above the style in Wikipedia. Written for people who are bored to read Joyce. I don't understand why trees have to be cut down for such books.

It seems that the works of Joyce are not to everyone's taste. Some people find them difficult to understand and even boring. However, we should also consider the value and significance of these works.

Joyce's writing style is unique and innovative, which has had a profound impact on the development of modern literature. Although his works may not be easy to read, they can still bring us a lot of inspiration and thinking.

Therefore, we should not simply judge a book by its readability, but should also consider its artistic value and historical significance. At the same time, we should also respect the choices and preferences of different readers.

This is truly one of the worst books I have ever had the misfortune to read in my entire life.

I have never before despised anyone as profoundly and as personally as I loathe James Joyce. This book is deserving of absolutely no stars – it was that abysmal. The only other book to which I have awarded no stars was a volume of political theory penned by an actual Nazi. Congratulations.

The only beneficial thing this book verified for me is that James Joyce is an antisemite. However, I was already cognizant of that fact. This was merely additional proof.

This author's romanticization of writers, particularly those who are abusive, is deeply unsettling. It also reveals something about her own ego.

This is a biography, and yet she provided no citations.

James Joyce is the literal dregs of the earth, and his body of work was not worth the pain he caused to others.

If I ever make it to Switzerland, it will be with the sole intention of obliterating his grave. Some dynamite should suffice.

This was an extremely wonderful Biography.

It provided me with an enormous amount of profound insight into Joyce and his creative process.

Moreover, it made me ponder what might have been the driving force behind his decision to write the masterpiece Ulysses.

Edna O'Brien, being Irish herself, is truly a remarkable writer.

If you have a passion for Biographies and are deeply interested in James Joyce, then this is the one you should definitely immerse yourself in.

I was completely captivated by it and simply couldn't put it down.

It's a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the life and works of this great literary figure.

The detailed account of Joyce's life and the analysis of his works make this Biography a truly valuable and engaging read.

Whether you're a scholar or just a lover of literature, you'll find something to cherish in this book.

So, don't hesitate and pick up this Biography today!

Edna O'Brien has the remarkable ability to bring the literary giant James Joyce to life in this short yet riveting book.

Her words paint a vivid picture of Joyce, his works, and the world in which he lived.

Through her detailed descriptions and engaging narrative, readers are transported into Joyce's mind and can gain a deeper understanding of his genius.

The book is a captivating exploration of Joyce's life and art, filled with insights and anecdotes that will fascinate both fans of Joyce and those new to his work.

O'Brien's writing is both elegant and accessible, making this a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the creative process.

Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a casual reader, this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the works of James Joyce.

There's an abundance of great warmth and profound understanding in this remarkable portrait of Joyce.

Edna O'Brien doesn't shy away from presenting us with the man in all his complexity. In fact, she seems to almost revel in it, delving deep into his character and psyche.

But she doesn't stop there. She also unearths the artist within Joyce, that intricate and multi-faceted entity which is both a part of us and yet distinct.

And as a writer of genius herself, in passages such as this - 'A writer, and especially a great writer, feels both more and less about human grief, being at once celebrant, witness and victim.' - she not only offers us a profound insight into Joyce but also reveals a great deal about herself.

It is through her masterful portrayal that we come to understand the depth and breadth of both Joyce and her own artistic vision.

Her words paint a vivid picture that lingers in the mind long after we have finished reading, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for both the subject and the artist.

James Joyce is a renowned figure in the world of literature. His works have had a profound impact on the literary landscape. This particular biography offers a unique perspective on his life and works. Even if one has already delved into other biographies of Joyce, this one stands out. It is not only highly literate but also entertaining. The author has managed to present the information in an engaging manner, making it a captivating read. However, it is not without its controversies. There are certain aspects of Joyce's life and work that are open to interpretation, and this biography does not shy away from exploring those areas. Overall, it is a valuable addition to the oeuvre of Joyce biographies.

Evaluation: Even if you have read other biographies of Joyce, this is a very literate and entertaining, but not uncontroversial, addition to the oeuvre.

Rating: 3.5/5

I didn't enjoy this book all that much.

It was short enough that I finished it anyway.

In short, the subject matter, which was James Joyce's life, was not compelling at all.

He was a raging jerk and seemed to have done nothing but torment the people around him.

That's probably why, no matter how well written the book could have been, it just sapped my energy trying to get through it.

Ironically, although he is apparently a remarkable author, this book had the effect of making me *not* want to read his work.

Of course, my opinion is biased because I was reading it to learn about an author I didn't know.

This was not the first impression anyone should like to make.

*IF* you're going into this book with the hopes of learning more about Joyce, you may possibly enjoy it.

However, this guy was one seriously toxic human being.

Overall, it was a rather disappointing read for me.

Maybe others with a different perspective or more interest in Joyce's life would have a different experience.

But for me, it just didn't click.

I'm not sure if I'll ever give Joyce's work a try based on this book.

It's a shame really, as he is supposed to be such an important figure in literature.

But sometimes, a book just doesn't live up to expectations.

I really like this series of 'portraits' of authors about authors. I have a great appreciation for Edna O'Brien's style. She is well-read, and the 17 most important bibliographies are listed at the end. But she has read even more than that, and manages to boil down all this textual mass into a manageable, neat little book of 184 pages, which takes us on a journey through James Joyce's tragic life. Despite its long sentences, the text is easy to read, like fiction/essay at its best, emerging as believable. And it feels complete because O'Brien has managed to depict a multifaceted author - 'complex and paradoxical'. And how he clashed with the world.

The only thing I don't understand is how O'Brien can protest against the view that James Joyce despised women, with the explanation "In fact, he was far more lenient towards women than men" and explain that his reason for that was his dependence on three women - his wife Nora for inspiration, Sylvia Beach who fought for Ulysses to be published, and the philanthropist Harriet Weaver who supported him financially. He was no less contemptuous for that. He betrayed them all.

He read Nietzsche, like so many others around 1900, and wanted to be the 'genius author' who could dedicate his whole life to playing with words. Without that play, life was empty and desolate.

O'Brien's slim volume offers a fresh perspective on Joyce, presenting him not merely as an artist but as a person within a social context. She delves into the lives of those who are often overlooked in Joyce's story - his mother and the women who stood by him.

Unlike Richard Ellmann's comprehensive biography, O'Brien doesn't aim to compete. Instead, as another review pointed out, she has explored Joyce and revealed his life to be akin to one of her own novels. It is a vivid, lyrical, and cutting account that just so happens to center around the author of Ulysses.

Her insights are profound, unflinching, and at times, even generous. She peels back the layers of Joyce's life, allowing us to see the man behind the myth, with all his flaws and virtues. Through her writing, we gain a more nuanced understanding of Joyce and the people who influenced him.