The Crying of Lot 49. Finished 9-24-19, 3.25/5, classic fiction, 152 pages, pub. 1966
Suffused with rich satire, chaotic brilliance, verbal turbulence and wild humor, The Crying of Lot 49 opens as Oedipa Maas discovers that she has been made executrix of a former lover’s estate. The performance of her duties sets her on a strange trail of detection, in which bizarre characters crowd in to help or confuse her. But gradually, death, drugs, madness and marriage combine to leave Oedipa in isolation on the threshold of revelation, awaiting the Crying of Lot 49. from Goodreads
Bizarre. Paranoia and insanity abound in this short novel. There were many moments, especially at the beginning where I cared and thought I “got it” but no. Sadly, it turns out I did not “get it” at all. It had some light moments that made me laugh, but once the crazy got on a roll it didn’t really stop. I am obviously not cool enough to appreciate Pynchon and I’m okay with that.
So, who is a fan of Pynchon? What attracts you?
This is my 32nd selection for the Classics Club challenge. I have until January 1, 2020 to get to 50 (lol).
If you’re not cool enough for this, I’m certainly not either.
LOL, You never know until you try 🙂
Big fan of Pynchon, especially his wild larger books, which is how I first read him.
I have always known that you are way cooler than I am. Which one was your favorite?
Others rave about how brilliant it is. I always wonder if it is like the emperor’s new clothes.
I guess it probably depends on your tastes. I tried at least 🙂