Gormenghast Good Lit?

[Literary_Cat]

I first heard of Mervyn Peake through an "essential fantasy" list and made a mental note to track it down; later I came across it recommended as a "book for bibliophiles," so I took the trouble to order the book online. I struggled through Titus Groan in three days, hating every moment. The prose was so thick and foggy that my skin crawled with the humidity. I pride myself upon finishing every book I start, no matter what, but Peake tried my determination to the utmost.

What do you love (or hate) about this book?

[mtpspur]

I tried the series when a teenager but you summed it up very well. A struggle to read and I gurantee I gave up the battle under 20 pages. I had finished Tolkien so was searching out the 'other' epics in that vein and Titus Groan induced them. Same for Eddison Worm Ourouborose or what it was was called. Was probably too young to appreciate it but have never had a burning desire to invest the time after al, these years. First impressions were lasting ones. Now Lord Dunsany on the other hand well rewards a return trip.

[Niamh]

tried, struggled, watched the bbc adaptation instead, then oddly enough enjoyd it! very rare i enjoy an adaptation more than book.

[ennison]

Peake was an excellent writer. The last novel in the trilogy is darker but by then Peake was seriously ill. He also wrote funny stuff like Mr Pye. He was a very good poet too and of course an artist.