The good old Indo has once again been engaged in writing the biographies of great Irish persons, and there is a rather extensive selection available.

Edna O'Brien's book on Joyce, in particular, I discovered to be a truly wonderful read. She ingeniously adopts some of his stylistics and skillfully mingles his own story with the narrative of his incredible work.

It offers a remarkable and wonderful insight into the mind of a genius. Moreover, having lived in Dublin for many years, one can gain a sense of the city from O'Brien's perspective, just as one can from Joyce.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It not only provides a detailed account of Joyce's life and work but also allows the reader to experience the essence of Dublin through the eyes of both the author and the subject.

The way O'Brien weaves together the various elements makes this biography a captivating and engaging read that leaves a lasting impression.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in Irish literature, Joyce, or the city of Dublin itself.

O'Brien masterfully channels Joyce's ecstatic language, breathing life into a vivid portrait of the man and his city within the confines of this fabulous short biography. The words seem to dance off the page, painting a detailed and engaging picture that draws the reader in and holds their attention from start to finish.

As I delved into the pages of this work, I found myself completely captivated by O'Brien's portrayal. It was as if I was transported back in time, experiencing Joyce's world alongside him. The descriptions were so vivid that I could almost see the streets of Dublin, feel the hustle and bustle, and sense the emotions of the people.

This short biography has truly made me a huge fan of the Penguin Lives series. It has shown me the power of concise yet impactful writing, and has left me eager to explore more of the lives and works of other remarkable individuals. I can't wait to see what other gems this series has in store for me.

It was an extremely enjoyable experience! Through this exploration, I delved deeper into Joyce's relationships with his family. I discovered the intense struggle he faced in getting his works published and gained a greater appreciation for the profound things he was attempting to achieve in his literary endeavors. Additionally, I learned a great deal more about his superstitions and the arduous battles he fought with his health. All of this newfound knowledge provides an even richer context to the novels of his that I have already cherished. It enriches my understanding and allows me to view his works from a more comprehensive perspective. It truly enhances the overall experience of engaging with Joyce's literary masterpieces.

This book wasn't for me.

It failed to capture my imagination right from the start.

The story seemed to lack the necessary elements to engage me fully.

As I was reading it, I found myself constantly bored and easily distracted.

The characters didn't come alive on the page, and the plot didn't have enough twists and turns to keep my interest piqued.

I struggled to get through each chapter, hoping that something would happen to make the book more interesting.

However, my hopes were soon dashed, and I realized that this book just wasn't going to be a favorite of mine.

Perhaps it was because the writing style didn't suit my taste, or maybe the subject matter wasn't something that I was particularly interested in.

Whatever the reason, I have to admit that this book was a disappointment for me.

A decent little book about Joyce has emerged. However, it is replete with sloppy sentences, and it's unclear whether this is due to a printer's error or if O'Brien is aiming for a Joycean style of prose.

Ridiculously, a blurb from a NY Times critic on the back proclaims this to be a "better read" than Ellman's biography. Perhaps this is the case if one is short on time.

Nonetheless, I'm not overly critical of it. For the most part, it is very well written and manages to make Joyce a sympathetic figure while also acknowledging his potential as a narcissistic monster. It also portrays the women in Joyce's life with great sympathy.

This book has made me want to reread Ulysses and has even led me to consider giving some of Finnegan's Wake a try.

It's important to remember (for me) that Joyce states great art is about "violence and desire," and O'Brien contends that his art is about conflict, not obfuscation.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book offers some interesting insights into the life and work of Joyce.

An excellent short biography has been stylishly composed by a fellow Irish writer.

This work, in no way, supplants Ellman's tome. In fact, I highly doubt that anything ever will. However, it serves as a useful resource for anyone who is new to Joyce or wishes to brush up on their knowledge of her Joyce.

It is truly wonderful to view Joyce through the eyes of this extremely gifted, poetic, female Irish writer. She seems to have a deep understanding of the man.

Her unique perspective and writing style bring a fresh and engaging look at Joyce's life and work.

Whether you are a scholar, a student, or simply a lover of literature, this short biography is definitely worth a read.

It offers valuable insights and a new way of looking at one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century.

Our language has seen many remarkable practitioners, but one stands out for their daring and innovation. This individual's life was a journey filled with passion and a relentless pursuit of artistic expression.

From an early age, they showed a natural inclination towards language and a willingness to push the boundaries. Their works were not afraid to explore the uncharted territories of human experience, challenging traditional norms and expectations.

Their art was a reflection of their unique perspective on the world, using words as a tool to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions. Through their writing, they were able to connect with readers on a deep and profound level, leaving a lasting impact.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, they remained true to their vision and continued to create until the very end. Their life and art serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us that with courage and determination, we can break free from the constraints of convention and create something truly extraordinary.

I have long looked forward to this one, as I am a great fan of Joyce and have a strong desire to learn more about his time in Paris during the 1920s.

However, I had to take a break due to knee surgery and just recently finished reading it.

Thankfully, it did not disappoint me.

I really liked Edna O’Brien’s way of explaining this extremely complicated man.

Describing him as unique would be an understatement. He was far more than that.

It is said that he had an amazing tenor voice and loved to entertain guests. I was hoping to find some recordings online, but unfortunately, I was unable to do so.

He was also known for his fashionable dressing, always wearing a hat and carrying a cane to complete his ensemble.

Just like Beethoven whose ears failed, Joyce’s eyes also failed him, but that didn't prevent either of them from showing their genius.

Of course, he will always be most remembered for Ulysses. It took him seven years and 20,000 hours of hard work to write a book that was considered impossible to publish. If it hadn't been for the determination of Sylvia Beach, it might never have seen the light of day. Possibly, it is the most loved and hated book ever written.

I compare him to his contemporary and acquaintance in Paris, Pablo Picasso. Their earlier works were simpler yet very beautiful. Their later works became much more complex and not easily understood by the general public.

‘…….No one knew Joyce, only himself, no one could. His imagination was like a meteor, his mind was constantly accumulating knowledge, words were crackling in his head, and images were crowding in on him “like the shades at the entrance to the underworld.” What he wanted to do was to extract the secret from life, and that could only be achieved through language because, as he said, the history of people is the history of language……’

Anyway, this could potentially be the year where I rediscover the joy, so I'm beginning here and hoping for an improvement in things. It's a concise biography that doesn't attempt to outshine the greats. That's good. It functions quite well as a primer, although I确实 have some concerns regarding Edna's approach.

Firstly, what I found rather peculiar was her surprisingly backward stance towards Nora. Dear and strange Nora Barnacle is currently experiencing a bit of a renaissance, and there are a couple of biographies about her that re-evaluate the outdated perspective that labels her, the muse who inspired Molly, as 'unworthy' of JJ. So, it's disappointing to see Edna subscribe to the 'unworthy' view. She vacillates between surrender, describing Joyce's attachment to Nora as inexplicable, or else reducing it to a purely sexual partnership that endured to'meet his needs'. Oh dear.

She also boldly and rather unselfconsciously asserts that a genius is necessarily antisocial or indeed harmful to those around them. Such a tiresome thing to say, I was astonished it passed through the editing process - it's irrelevant, hardly perceptive, and that's assuming we believe it at all.

ANYWAY, putting those aside, it's not bad! As a portrayal of JJ's life, it works, although we should consider it an overview. I think the execution is slightly off from what it could have been, but it's not a waste of time. I'm hoping to get to Ellman's definitive (and rather hefty) biography at some point this year. Wish me luck.

An evocative, lyrical biography of James Joyce, written by a novelist, has emerged.

This book is not just a straightforward biography. It is candid and complicated, being both a biography and something more. It takes the form of a work of creative non-fiction, incorporating the words and opinions of others, as well as revelatory fragments from Joyce himself.

The question of how this is more than a biography lingers. I'm still pondering the reasons. In a word, I loved this book! All literary biographies should strive to be this good.

Update: In July 2024, Edna O'Brien passed away at the age of 93. When I heard the news, I recalled how much I adored this remembrance of James Joyce. I vowed to explore more of O'Brien's work. Here, on hand, gathering dust in a precarious pile, is A Pagan Place. Perhaps I'll begin my exploration with that.

This biography of Joyce seems to offer a unique perspective, blurring the lines between traditional biography and creative non-fiction. It makes one wonder about the possibilities of presenting a life story in a more engaging and multi-faceted way.

As for Edna O'Brien's passing, it is a loss to the literary world. However, her works will continue to live on and inspire future generations of readers and writers.

O'Brien is an outstanding writer.

His writing style is like that of an angel, although perhaps an angel who has indulged in a big plate of Irish blarney.

The work he has produced is truly brilliant. It is filled with lyrical language that flows smoothly and beautifully.

Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also highly informative, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge.

The prose is so rich and engaging that it makes you smile as you read.

It is a truly fabulous piece of writing that captivates the reader from beginning to end.

O'Brien's talent shines through in every sentence, making this work a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

His unique blend of charm, wit, and wisdom makes his writing stand out and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, this is a remarkable achievement that showcases O'Brien's extraordinary writing skills.

Writers writing about writers' writings can be a fascinating or a tiresome endeavor, depending entirely on the abilities of both the subject and the object. Thankfully, this concise volume falls into the former category and never into the latter.

O'Brien is a remarkable talent herself, and she freely admits her debt to Joyce's literary example. Having acknowledged that debt, she doesn't gloss over the numerous flaws in Joyce's character. (After all, what would be the point when they are so well-documented elsewhere?) However, she also resists the temptation to see only the disguised projection of those same flaws in his works.

No amount of idolizing of Ulysses or Finnegans Wake can excuse or redeem Joyce from his self-centeredness, alcoholism, or his moments of outright nastiness towards those closest to him who had his best interests at heart. But so what? Sometimes morally bankrupt individuals create great art, and sometimes morally upright people lack artistic vision or talent.

What O'Brien, an artist with her own vision and talent, understands is that the protection and nurturing of vision and talent can seem monstrous to those on the outside looking in, yet it may still be necessary for the creation of art. In the end, for better or for worse, Joyce did receive the love and devotion of many until the end of his rather tortured and tormenting life. And I'm grateful that I can enjoy and appreciate the works he produced without having to determine whether his loved ones were fools or saints.

O'Brien offers a short, engaging, ultimately sympathetic but not hagiographic biography that may help to shed light on some passages in Joyce's works and drive the reader back to those works. And that is service enough for one volume.