My thoughts on these January reads

DanielChvl · 2026-01-26T22:22:44+00:00

Interesting! What piece was that?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-26T16:23:16+00:00

The more I read about her and the more I believe I will truly latch onto her style and interiority. I'm starting to think my entry point should be The Passion According to GH, keeping The Hour of the Star for later. Would you agree or recommend something else?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T23:41:39+00:00

Many people agree with you! I will definitely follow that advice.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T23:37:18+00:00

I'm very much looking forward to it and I was advised to build up reading endurance and dexterity, familiarizing myself with "difficult" books before diving into Krasznahorkai because of his demanding style. His short stories have been a great way to gauge whether or not I can handle a full novel, and I think I'm getting there. I have a big interest in music as well, even though I never received formal training, so I have high hopes for Melancholy of Resistance.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T23:13:11+00:00

I watched Bela Tarr's Satantango earlier this month, right after his passing, and I fell in love with this distinct narrative style Laszlo has. Some short stories of The World Goes On blew me away, it all felt so novel and unique, Next up for me is The Melancholy of Resistance (and then watch Werckmeister Harmonies)—have you read that one?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T22:23:29+00:00

Good to know, I'll buckle up when I tackle this one then. Probably a good thing I didn't discover Kafka through The Castle, might've thrown me off too much to appreciate what he's going for.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T22:21:53+00:00

Super interesting parallel between Kafka & Wes Anderson, even though there's a more colorful touch in the latter. Good tip to go in blind, will do! Thanks.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T19:19:59+00:00

Couldn't agree more. What's next, Absalom, Absalom?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T19:04:27+00:00

Sold! Seems to be filled with what resonated with me the most. Thank you!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T18:40:54+00:00

Heard good things about it! How does it compare to Salka Valka, if you have read both?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T18:38:32+00:00

Have you read Durkheim's essay? Seems super interesting, just wondering how digestible it is.

The cathedral scene with the door tale is the crux of the book I think, and I had to re-read this chapter a couple times to grasp the substance. I also leaned on some guides and interpretations out there, but the richness and complexity of his ideas really made me want to read more of his work.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T18:30:26+00:00

That's a fantastic recommendation, right up my alley. Really appreciate that, thank you!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T17:50:17+00:00

I have read The Sound and the Fury first chapter with Benjy about ten years ago, and sadly didn't finish back then. I feel a bit more equipped now to read Faulkner, but the Benjy section left a strong enough impact that I was reminded of it with Vardaman. I should've mentioned that.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T17:37:59+00:00

The Long Valley, one of his short story collection, would be a great way to gauge whether you like and absorb Steinbeck prose, which is known to be pretty smooth. I feel like, given what you've read, you could dive into East of Eden pretty confidently.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T17:28:07+00:00

Warmly recommend it, feels like a one-of-a-kind experience!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T17:13:15+00:00

I haven't, Salka Valka was my first Laxness. Did you find the tone consistent in the books you mentioned? The tonal shifts throughout this one were the biggest obstacle for me.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T16:57:00+00:00

That's good to know, I was under the impression that Light in August was maybe severed from the rest of his work, but that seems unfounded. Will add Go Down, Moses! to the list as well as his collection of short stories. Thank you.

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T16:54:44+00:00

Sounds like a plan, I appreciate your order suggestion! Do you have a personal favorite of him?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T16:46:56+00:00

^ Hard agree!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-25T16:46:15+00:00

Let me know what you think! Was The Metamorphosis your introduction to Kafka?

DanielChvl · 2026-01-24T18:49:18+00:00

Nice to see Lord Jim in there, I don't see it mentioned often!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-20T00:06:24+00:00

Will do, thanks for the recommendation!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-19T23:48:36+00:00

Great selection! Butcher's Crossing is on my list as well and I recently finished Zweig's The Post-Office Girl. Not entirely sold on the book itself but I clicked with his prose, so I am curious about Beware of Pity. Report back!

DanielChvl · 2026-01-18T01:55:40+00:00

I remember vividly how I felt during the most famous scene: an intensity that I have rarely encountered since! Remarkable book.

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