Gravity's Rainbow...

[Tyrion Cheddar]

Hail and well met. I just discovered this site, it looks wondrous fair. I'll jump right in. Years ago I read Thomas Pynchon's "V" and loved it. I have an itch to take on "Gravity's Rainbow" but am intimidated by it, and wonder if others here might be interested in joining me in the effort or coaching me in some way. I'll accept hand-holding, wet nursing and cookie baking as forms of aide. Moynd you, Oi'd probably be more intimidated boy "Ulysses", what Oi also mean to take on one o' these days; but for now, Oi'll wobble about and wet meself at the thought of Pynchon at 'is most formidable.

[Poetaster]

I've been through Gravity's Rainbow once now, it'll be some time before I do it again. I do remember it as being like waves, parts of it were so rough and hard going, while other bits flowed perfectly.

There is, if you want help with it, the Pynchon Wiki that has a wealth of information about all of the man's novels and explains most of the references in them that most people will not pick up on.

[chrisvia]

The only thing you really need to approach Pynchon's work is interest, and you've already got that--even if you are daunted. Let your interest propel you into a full on study of the work. To be sure, on my second pass of GR, I used the Companion (http://www.amazon.com/Gravitys-Rainbow-Companion-Contexts-Pynchons/dp/0820328073/) and the Wiki that Poetaster mentioned. The best specific advice I've gleaned is to keep notes on character attributes (ways of speaking, tics, quirks, attire, desires, etc.) because this will help you keep track of perspective, which is a slippery thing with Pynchon. Aside from non-linear narrative and silent perspective-shifts, the novel is saturated with Pynchon's WWII and German V-2 Rocket Program research. A bit of your own dabbling in the late WWII milieu, especially in London, will yield a positive experience, regardless of those who just offer the advice: "Dive in and just go with it!" You said you already read V., so I don't see it necessary to offer any advice regarding wordplay.

[WyattGwyon]

I thought V was more difficult than Gravity's Rainbow. Chrisvia's advice on taking notes is good, especially if you read it slowly over a long time span. In general I would say just relax. It's a fun, lighthearted romp through the strangest corners of WWII, not some ponderous and profound piece of literature.

[figurered]

I thought V was more difficult than Gravity's Rainbow. Chrisvia's advice on taking notes is good, especially if you read it slowly over a long time span. In general I would say just relax. It's a fun, lighthearted romp through the strangest corners of WWII, not some ponderous and profound piece of literature.

I ve just finished reading Gravity s rainbow.

So, the dust has not been settled yet but I really do wonder : ok it is a fantastic piece of art but is it literature?

Is it equivalent to Ulysses or just a kind of ouija board writing, pop-art phenomenon ?

Do you really believe that "it s a fun, not some ponderous and profound piece of literature"? - I tend to believe you re right but then again Bloom pops up and talks about the big 4 of Americana.

I don t know.

[Tyrion Cheddar]

Thank you, Chrisvia, and all of you, for thoughtful replies. I am at the moment coming to the end of "Tender is the Night", which I ain't not never read, despite being floored by "The Great Gatsby" some years ago. When I complete it I shall either read "Gravity's Rainbow", "Gravity's Ripple" or "Gatsby's Ribbit".