This is deservedly noted as one of the finest novels of the last century. James Joyce, quite possibly the greatest literary artist ever, writes in a chameleonic style, altering from precocious child, eavesdropping on the debates of his elders, to bombastic adolescent, with wild imaginings of a hellish damnation. One of the more famous passages is the 'Hellfire' speech, in which the meaning of eternity is explored, as is the justness of God and the morality system of the Catholic Church. Finally, he emerges as the complete artist, after casting off the 'graveclothes' of his youth, of the oppressive church and Ireland, 'the old sow that eats her farrow.'<br><br>One of the most beautiful passages, and my favourite, is the penultimate diary entry. 'Welcome. O, Life!...' Here we read and fully understand the emancipation of his soul. He has grown. And so have we, who have journeyed with him.<br>
