Kevin's Watch

Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon was recommended to me by a fellow rather after my own tastes, so I thought I'd pick it up. A difficult read because of the style and late 18th century British/American dialogue, but what I've read of this book so far is highly entertaining. A bit of stream of consciousness, lots of jumping from idea to idea, but so far it's quite a bit of fun. What is it about? Dunno, really. I've only read the first eight chapters. On the surface, it's something of an historical novel that follows surveyors Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon's travels, as told by a fellow traveler and friend. It has deeper meanings, of course, but I haven't quite gotten to them yet.

If you thought Donaldson was obscure, take this book for a ride.

I haven't read Mason and Dixon yet. I tried reading it about a year ago, but I just couldn't deal with the stylized 18th century text (and I'm a Pynchon fan!) I'll probably get around to it this winter sometime.

If you enjoy M&D you should definitely read Gravity's Rainbow. I'm not ashamed to admit that I miss many of Pynchon's literary/historical/technological/pop-culture/spirtual references in all of his books, but I enjoy the stories. If the hidden reference clicks with me, then I consider it another reason to love the book.

I almost threw GR in the trash when, after reading the first seventy pages twice, I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on. But I was intrigued by Pynchon's writing style. It was different and the story was extremely bizarre. In Gravity's Rainbow, he employs non-standard writing techniques (multiple povs and fractured storylines.) The book is filled with odd characters, tangent stories, conspiricies, mysticism, techno-babble, historical events (some intentionally inaccurate.)

Keep me posted on Mason and Dixon. I'd like to hear from someone else how great it is so that I can reeeaaallly convince myself to read it!!

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Tulizar wrote:I'm not ashamed to admit that I miss many of Pynchon's literary/historical/technological/pop-culture/spirtual references in all of his books, but I enjoy the stories. If the hidden reference clicks with me, then I consider it another reason to love the book.

Ditto. This book is such a rough read for me that I rejoice over any reference or joke I get. Once you get through the first couple chapters of M&D, it seems to get a bit smoother. I don't know if it's because I'm getting used to the style, or because the subject is more familiar (they're on a British ship at the moment, and I've always been a fan of naval stories), but it's reading faster than it did before.

Gravity's Rainbow sounds interesting. If I can get through this book, I will certainly give it a shot.

I decided to start on Mason and Dixon again last week. I'm glad I did. Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind when I started on it before, but somehow I'm really into it this time. You're right, once you get past the first few chapters, the style is much easier to handle.

Hopefully I'll have finished it by early January.

I haven't had much chance to read lately, so you'll probably finish it before me. Plus, it's one of those books I can't take to public places because I keep laughing out loud.

Alynna Lis Eachann wrote: Plus, it's one of those books I can't take to public places because I keep laughing out loud.

Yeah, it's always a treat when someone stares at you with that what the hell is she laughing at look!! I tend to avoid the public reads, but then my poor wife has to deal with me instead.

Well, I finally finished Mason & Dixon a couple of weeks ago. It took awhile to get through it, but was definitely worth it. I sort of put off reading the book at first, because the professional relationship of an 18th century astronomer and surveyor didn't exactly sound entertaining.

I'm glad I gave it a shot. The book was filled with great word play and dialogue. Lots of satire. Lots of fun historical references--some accurate, some not so (at least I don't think George Washington used to get high with his wise-cracking, King George bashing slave behind Martha's back.)
There are odd characters, talking dogs, talking clocks, flying mechanical ducks, global jesuit conspiracies and natural landscape feng-shui. Too much to mention.

If you have the time, it's absolutely worth reading.

Still haven't finished it. I have no time. Haven't gone too far past the talking clock scene, but it's one of my favorites.