Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man - James Joyce BOOK REVIEW

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[@hickorydcorry]

Not to take away from Joyce's poetic writing, but yes I can confirm that in Ireland the sunlight can indeed be queer and cold, February is an oul' hoor of a month.

[@mohammedhanif6780]

same in Birmingham

[@herrklamm1454]

The shifts in Stephen’s stream of consciousness can throw you sometimes. My stream is already chaotic, so I generally read to get away from it so I can follow something a bit more orderly and coherent. When I read Joyce I feel like I’m reading my own thoughts in a mirror. By the way - you need to read the priests speech on Hell in an Irish accent.

[@13tuyuti]

My main source for priests with Irish accent is Father Ted, maybe not the best voice for that passage...

[@adhhxgxhhg]

I expected a very boring strung out novel, but Portrait really blew me out of the water, one of the best novels I've ever read, it demands to be read more than once.

[@koreighlee]

The pace of this novel is unique; slow and detailed for pages and pages, until Joyce hits you with these beautifully complex passages that suck you back in again, either out of awe or frustration. As you say, he gives himself a lot of freedom in his description of subjective experiences, in which it feels as though he's writing to remember something of himself as opposed to catering to the reader...it makes breaking through in understanding even more rewarding in my opinion, like a personal exchange between Joyce (or Stephen) and myself. Great review!

[@Linda-bq7eq]

I read this book when I was 18 - I’m 74 now and ready to read it again. Thanks for your work. L

[@joejs7659]

I think the first half may be some of the best writing I have stumbled across, the tempo dies a bit off at the point where the priest holds his long talk about hell, but the passages about the girl in the last tram of the night, which swerved close to Stephen but always fell back, the poems he writes her, where priceless.

[@declanrush3722]

This is a really concise review, well done! Ulysses has to be one of the funniest and most moving books ever published, but portrait is a fantastic begginging for what was to come.

[@mcbellant]

one of my favourite novels. great channel, I'm a "hungry" reader and I've been a student of literature (also a Bataille fan), so I'm always looking forward to new content on this channel. keep up with the good job ; ) cheers from Italy

[@ahmedriyadh7520]

This video brought back a lots of beautiful memories when I was at the university of Baghdad 💔💔

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

You again? ??? You comment on videos about this book a lot. Nice to see you again, scholar.

[@l8mnm8l]

@@ezekielbrockmann114 can i ask you to name the best novels u read before ? Idk why but I want a random recommendation

[@b.6666]

@@l8mnm8l not him but give lighthousekeeping by jeanette winterson a shot xx

[@l8mnm8l]

@@b.6666 thanks, appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@tomasodulaing6047]

60 Years of Irishness and it takes a fella from Portland to light a fire under my curiosity about Joyce! Any wonder the world is in a state of chassis, as Seán O Casey might have mused. Great introduction to the "Portrait", really well presented, well done. Lovely mix of humour and information all washed down with delightful glass of intriguing quotations. Great piece of advice at the conclusion of the piece. Míle buíochas [many thanks], Tomás

[@hannahsafa875]

I seriously loved everything about this video. Your voice makes it so easy to follow you and I was just impressed by your enthusiasm and the way you dived into the topic. You actually made me wanna read the book and not just google for a quick plot overview - which is what brought me here tbh. Loved it! Just loved it!

[@rl6807]

Love the quote from when he sees the girl at the beach. Great review!

[@DarkAngelEU]

Wait, are you telling me the entire premise of La Grande Bellezza is based on one scene from Joyce?

[@nicola1466]

I'm Irish and have never read Joyce but you've just inspired me 😊❤️

[@PeteBondurant13]

I haven't read this book in years but this inspires me to pick it up again. Great video.

[@ezekielbrockmann114]

I first read this book in Estonia, walking down the streets of Tallinn in Summer as the rude sun rose, lounging in the parks as that brutal growing light shortened the shadows, religiously avoiding my girlfriend's tedious morning routine.

[@mohitjain45]

You are one of the finest book critics on KZbin. Love your work. Keep it up!

[@Jammer98825]

This novel was my introduction to Joyce. It was a very prolific book for me when I read it at a very young age (I think I was maybe 14 or 15). I have just bought a copy of Ulysses just recently. It took me awhile to pick it up because I very hesitant because I wasn't sure if I was "ready" to read it. But this novel is probably one of my favorites as far as classic literature goes and so on. Very good review Cliff, can't wait to see what more you have to offer. Every time I watch a one (or maybe even two) of your reviews my bookshelves seem more fuller.

[@evangelia-sofiaarvanitis5477]

I just finished the book and I loved it. Great review!

[@havefunbesafe]

Finished today. It had a good start and an engaging ending but the middle was difficult to soldier through…I’ll need to let this one brew in my mind for a bit.

[@gurkepro]

You really should read the Metamorphoses though. It's very beautiful and incredibly human.

[@Panda_Steph]

I just finished it 2 or 3 days ago and man was it a good read! A great insight into alienation, human nature and what society is willing to accept

[@i_was_never_given_a_name_8675]

@@Panda_Steph I think the Metamorphoses the video referred to is the one by Ovid

[@melindalemmon2149]

You are so right.

[@Hupsibasse]

Perfect timing, I'll be reading it for a course. Cheers!

[@The-Portland-Daily-Blink]

I also grew up in Portland. Am still here, despite all “the Troubles” LOL. Great and outstanding review!

[@drts6955]

As a Joyce fan and fellow Irish man I can say he really meant it about the sow eating her farrow! The poverty and conservatism have disappeared, but now it's preposterous cost of living that drives artists from her shores.

[@UltimateNinjaSrb]

''Arse full of farts.'' - J.J.

[@ОлегОленев-я3о]

Joyce was the only rue Romantic

[@artificialescapades2323]

Cliff, Have you heard about his discussion with Marcel Proust? And can we anticipate Ulysses or Dubliners to make an appearance here?

[@hexalynn9434]

When I start writing again I'll definitely hit you up ! Love your work

[@thefrancophilereader8943]

That description of Hell was real! I couldn't stop laughing. That certainly doesn't seem to have been Steven's response. From your description of Steven's transformation it sounds like he still has some kind of a sense of the spiritual.

[@Idazle]

Superb review. I've just finished A Portrait and agree with every word said in this video about this remarkable work. I concur with the view that the episode on the preaching about hell contains a magnificent and expertily crafted narrative of how catholic priests used to terrify youngsters by the effective use of rethoric. Solo la lectura de este episodio ya hace que el libro merezca la pena . Next stop ---> Ulysses

[@randerson1893]

Just started this yesterday actually finding it very heavy going, not quite sure i really "get" it yet but looking forward to pressing onwards!

[@almostshawn3230]

Happy 2018! Great way to start the new year, finding you...

[@haroldniver]

I’m reading Ulysses presently, without having read Portrait of the Artist... wondering if that was a mistake? I’ve ordered Portrait, so maybe I’ll read them together. Maybe... I found a series of lectures by Joseph Campbell, about Joyce and Thomas Mann, which are just absolutely fascinating and leaving quite an impression on me.

[@GizeleMagalhaes]

Lovely! Well elaborated review.

[@SeekersofUnity]

Great stuff

[@BillNessworthyPhotography]

Joyce! - Thanks for covering Joyce. I love Portrait and Dubliners, but like everyone else, I've struggled with Ulysses and failed twice somewhere around the Wandering Rocks. Maybe like Odysseus, one is supposed to spend ten years attempting to read it before finally shooting an arrow through a bunch of axes at the Joyce Museum... or something like that. I intend to read Ulysses again, but it's so easy to justify quitting when there are SO MANY other books to cram into a finite lifespan. Do you have any tips for dealing with the anxiety of infinite choice and the urge to quit? I do flit from book to book a lot.

[@briangallagher3106]

Long reply here... I haven't read Ulysses, haven't attempted it yet. However, I have read many books over 1000 pages. I'm halfway through Atlas shrugged right now and I'm enjoying it. Last year I read close to 70 books mostly classics. Usually when I have to read a 1000 page book I set weekly goals of say 150 pages. I mostly read on my days off in the morning before my late sleeping girlfriend wakes up. I get up at 8 read for 2-3 hours with coffee and usually cover 60-80 pages in that time. Then try to squeeze in another 20-30 during the same day if I have the time. I try to read at least 10-20 pages on a working day. If I quit a book it's after 70 pages. I don't enjoy quitting books but if I hate how it's going I'll quit. Since I stuck to this routine I've finished a lot of books and I'm always keen to get onto the next one. Sticking to my reading routine means I can get to the next book fairly quickly. I'd suggest leaving some time in between each book to let the ideas settle and to think about what you've read. Cliffsnotes website is good for going back over what you've read and I take a test to see if the book has stuck or not. So 20 pages on a weekday 60-80 on weekends You'll be finishing long books in no time and on to your infinite list in no time These are my suggestions. I hope you gave this reply the time

[@AustinDunham95]

@@briangallagher3106 dawg, you just compared the intensity of Ulysses to Atlas Shrugged.

[@briangallagher3106]

AustinDunham95 I did not, I couldn’t possibly, having only read one of them. I was offering suggestions to help him finish the books he starts. I will read Ulysses probably this year. I’m in the middle of Absalom Absalom at the moment and absolutely loving it. A tough read though. I was a bit confused for the first 60 pages but I think I’m ok now. How about you?

[@gotterdammerung6088]

@@briangallagher3106 Ayn Rand is philosophical poverty

[@briangallagher3106]

Götter dämmerung ok... Very good. Thank you.

[@Panda_Steph]

I just bought this book like 3 days ago and while I havent started it yet, this gets me excited

[@1m2a3t4t5]

Just like Milton, read it for hell. Best part if the book, most agree.

[@mohamadkebbewar6827]

Great review. It was a hard read. Thank you for the informative tips.

[@mahdiyehgolbaz285]

That's great review.I'm looking forward to see a new content on your KZbin channel.

[@MPalas96]

This is one of your better reviews, by a wide margin!

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

Oh yeah? What stood out for you?

[@MPalas96]

To be honest, I'm not really sure. I think it's probably got something to do with fluency. You seem more at ease talking about this particular book than some of the others. Or it may just be personal preference, I can't really say. Still, great video!

[@rafaelortiz7383]

Miguel Palaio n

[@joejs7659]

Stephen Dedalus is one of my favorite characters and find his storyline in Ulysses incredibly touching.

[@phanmaitrang4534]

Thank u! The review is so articulate.

[@renatoilsonhunninghausencl5879]

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR IMPRESSIONS ON THIS GREAT BOOK...KEEP THE GOOD WORK...WHAT ABOUT A REVIEW ON ROBERT MUSIL THE MAN WITHOUT QUALITIES?

[@jorgecubria]

¿Do anyone has any idea, in the first part on Christmas, when Dante argues with Mr. Dedalus and Casey about the prieststs and politics, they mention some politician by the name of Christy. Who are they refering to?

[@HeavensMouthpiece]

Not sure if you will see this, however, I just decided to look up who else is popular in the book review area. Not even on purpose I've somehow elected a very similar format for reviews (largely bc of the needle drop I assume). Havent watched any of your videos yet but I am hoping we are not too similar. Anyways, not my goal to compete but to get more people to read in general and eventually write on my own (much like joyce in that sense). Best of luck, and I would very much like to speak to you on the logistics of your channel if you do this full time

[@Weird_Quests]

Love the content as always. I hope to be creating things with as much knowledge, enthusiasm and passion as you. Have you thought about doing a video about struggles or problems you've run in to while starting your own channel or choosing to be doing more creative work such as this? Looking forward to your future vids!

[@Weird_Quests]

Also, I'd be interested in potentially doing a basic interview in the future as part of my research (for my MFA Creative Writing). I'll message you when appropriate.

[@Weird_Quests]

Also, I'd be definitely interested in the processes of your own roasting for coffee beans... #lovecoffee

[@flotsam-jetsam]

Read it weeks ago in conjunction with Beyond Good and Evil. A perfect symbiosis.

[@adammarcello9797]

I was an English Lit major and have read every western author from BEowulf and Song of Roland to Ulysses. I can say that no one captures and elucidates the human condition better than James Joyce…..

[@estebanb7166]

Sure

[@yeilekhuzuthrulymn]

Smart session 👍❤️

[@luzprisangela]

I only watch your videos after i read the book, i forgot how much i like them

[@jorgejungl]

thank you, succinct analysys

[@voyagetoart3115]

Bearded look was pretty fantastic and nice review.

[@enekogalarraga9231]

Nicely put...good job!

[@lynchburgva8118]

great big reading. thank you.

[@elmahdi2137]

00:09 I'd really recommend to say "better than food" for a second time but in a low voice, like if u r reassuring the idea that it is actually "better than food". So it will be like this " better than food man........ Better than food". Idk wth m saying 😂 but idk why i felt it would be great

[@steffyrana]

Great Review. Thanks

[@lubnajamal7983]

saved passing this exam. t h a n k s, man.

[@user-mf1rz9mn3l]

God, i loooove your videos

[@TheCLARKE9]

Joyce wasn’t just a fan of cinema he was part of founding irelands first movie theatre

[@aladinfox4098]

Worse is the introduction in the begining of the copy I read! Needed a dictionary and thesaurus and a book Irish history to wade through it. Realize now though as a welsh/english citizen that understanding Ireland is key to understanding the whole mess of colonialism and racism.

[@bazzbazzley]

When considering Joyce's writing his frequent drug use is seldom mentioned; even though it would seem to have played a pivotal role in Ulysses, which rockets around like an untamed firework, much of it magnificent, much of it, not.

[@bluebellbeatnik4945]

I was meant to read this for university a few decades ago. Somehow I didn't end up reading it. Pretty sure it was compulsory reading so no idea how that happened. I regret not reading it so much. I'll get to James Joyce at some point. Not sure what the correct order is - this one, ulysees or the dubliners.

[@coltonsorrels8665]

His prose are so boring to me. The best (and most underrated) Irish novelist is Flann O'Brien. Read "At Swim - Two - Birds," "The Third Policeman," or any of his other novels. It's some weird shit.

[@JCloyd-ys1fm]

I love that city, but Portland just ain't the same Portland anymore.

[@AleksandarBloom]

Yankee knows about In Our Time. Nice.

[@timkjazz]

well done, sir, well done.

[@bucc2742]

BRAAAAAAP

[@annelawrence9127]

fantastic

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

Thank you Anne

[@22grena]

Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth

[@ankitpal3615]

Halloween recommendation - Throat Sprockets by Tim Lucas

[@user-dj8gt6ik7c]

36 pgs in. Trying to decide if I should carry on with my life or give this book a fair shot

[@byronlovelace8379]

1 quit after 150 pages. At every 50 pages, I kept thinking stop or go on. In the end, I had enough of it..

[@fernyhough100]

Very good review. But ey, Devil all the time already lad!

[@HughMorristheJoker]

Do Gould's Book of Fish, Flanagan.

[@gordonfelesina3170]

10/10 intro

[@melindalemmon2149]

YEAH! THE HELL SERMONS!!!

[@bruja2591]

Had to read this book in 4 days for a class in college. Joyce is clearly a great writer, but I personally found the book hard to get through because I didn’t like Stephen and I thought it was boorrriiinnnggggg

[@mohibahmed1183]

Great review. Sorry I watched four years later 😄

[@maximosmagyar9653]

Is it a Mephistophelean argument to say that all of being is not worth the eternal suffering of one soul in hell?

[@Dino_Medici]

Beauty

[@gabrielam2743]

FINALLY

[@byronlovelace8379]

The book was boring, after being 150 pages I decided to give up on it. There are other books I want to read, and this isn't one of them anymore..

[@themessageinabottle9574]

Bout bloody time

[@joshg.4448]

At last!

[@alyssasault2142]

Hey

[@somedude2748]

Dublin's a bit shite, go to Galway instead. Better views too.

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

Some dude oh yeah?

[@shire151]

Better Than Food: Book Reviews Anywhere along the west coast is great for views and culture. You should check it out.

[@patrickweller5254]

Ruairi Flynn This dude is right. Check out Tralee, or Dingle. Fantastic towns.

[@holocened]

Yeah, Galway all the way. Charlie Byrne's bookshop is probably the best secondhand bookshop I've ever been to, definitely worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.

[@feridiskenderov3974]

ayy

[@EduardoGonzalez-fg2sm]

My teacher said i have to read dat book because o wouldnt read a harry potter

[@MetalGearChief]

I won't lie, I hate this book. I do like your reviews though and appreciate your analysis of this novel.

[@ChuckyMarks]

I agree. I keep waiting for great stuff from Joyce but I keep getting let down. Portrait just moved too slow for me. I wanted to hear more about Stephan's artistic development (or even more personal development) but the novel spent most of its time lingering on the church, and not even his dealings with the church but just the various details related to it. Still want to get to Ulysses though

[@jasonalexjones6089]

Do not forget he was a Jesuit

[@leafyconcern]

Catholics!

[@anandjoseph8241]

SIR, I AM FROM INDIA, PLEASE SPEAK IN SLOW SPEED.

[@jacobloving6765]

You can go into the settings and slow the video speed yourself.

[@CommonSwense]

Life is way too short to read bullshit.

[@tonybennett4159]

Dubliners and Portrait of a Young Man, are great books before he started disappearing up his own arse. At about page 200 of Ulysses, I decided I didn't like the man Joyce had become. He'd lost his humanity somewhere along the way and had just became a self reflexive smart alec.

[@chokingmessiah]

Sounds like you're up your own arse.

[@37Dionysos]

Please try it again, patiently, another time. My first read tossed it across the room several times and I've been reading/laughing/learning from it ever since I came back---having read Ellmann's "Ulysses on the Liffey," very short but clear and as solid/helpful as they get! Best wishes---

[@xox9665]

boy you need to chill out call me if u need someone to ease your nervess :)) u got it..

[@sihammahdach1390]

STOP CURSING FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.

[@michelebuckles7865]

Do you relate to and identify more with male authors? Maybe men are just better authors, I am only asking because one of my favorite books is Janet Fitch "Paint It Black" about a punk girl in LA In the 70s. It's a collision of The Germs and Brahms and extremely depressing but I related to it during a dark time in my life years ago so it stuck with me. I realized she was the only female author I've read in years. YEARS. Woman just aren't as talented.

[@michelebuckles7865]

I've actually been reflecting on this a lot lately and I think men are more wired to articulate art and creativity, in most cases I believe they are *smarter*, they are more funny, I think this is all tied to masculinity. Not to say that every now and then a woman comes along that exemplifies this. This doesn't make women "not as good as men" but different. We are built differently, wired differently and have something different to bring to the world.

[@jeffreywilson9913]

Read,The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers (read her biography) also, Flannery O'Conner, Wise Blood

[@QuinnTheChin]

@@michelebuckles7865 I would recommend 'A Room of One's Own' by Virginia Woolf. There's a lot to be said for the opportunities that historically have been restricted to men. Notably, she makes the point that if Shakespeare had a sister of equal talent, she'd have been relegated to housework and denied an education, let alone the time to write. There's a good reason that there aren't many female authors in the classics, but if you look at the women that are there, they were just people who finally had the opportunity to write-- Mary Shelley being the daughter of a feminist had undoubtedly more opportunities, Virginia Woolf inherited wealth, etc. (ARoOO expands on this line of thought) Also read more contemporary lit (Toni Morrison, Zadie Davis, Ursula K. LeGuin, Angela Carter, etc.) and you'll see how crazy good women are--as good as men even! (Who would have guessed!)