The Name of the Rose is a remarkable book, so I'm with you there. But I smiled a little when I saw you mention Pynchon. Although I realise that appreciation of literature, like music, is a subjective thing, Pynchon could be the most overrated writer of the 20th century. Although it pains me to do so I can do no better than to quote Gore Vidal, someone certainly in a position to know: "Comparing Pynchon's prose with that of, say, Joyce, is like comparing a kindergartener with a graduate student."
I like puzzles. I like historical settings. I like the settings Pynchon chooses. I haven't really thought to building a coherent mental model of his prose style (unlike say DFW or Galeano or Eco, for whom I could do that rapidly).
What don't you like about him? I like criticisms of things I like.
Comments
The Name of the Rose is a remarkable book, so I'm with you there. But I smiled a little when I saw you mention Pynchon. Although I realise that appreciation of literature, like music, is a subjective thing, Pynchon could be the most overrated writer of the 20th century. Although it pains me to do so I can do no better than to quote Gore Vidal, someone certainly in a position to know: "Comparing Pynchon's prose with that of, say, Joyce, is like comparing a kindergartener with a graduate student."
I like puzzles. I like historical settings. I like the settings Pynchon chooses. I haven't really thought to building a coherent mental model of his prose style (unlike say DFW or Galeano or Eco, for whom I could do that rapidly).
What don't you like about him? I like criticisms of things I like.