Togetherness

[RICHARD ROMEO]

Just finished IJ and keeping in mind its rather abrupt ending and others 
comments about it-D. Kipen;s review e.g.-as well as critiques of GR  
(especially the last 200 pgs R. Locke states this in the review of GR in 
NYTBR which I read right after finishing IJ) as lacking cohesiveness-and 
keeping in mind Jay Mcinerney;s review of IJ in NYTBR yesterday claiming 
its essential lack of cohesiveness (I forget his words)...I came upon 
this quote in the Intro (by Ian Maclean) to The Manuscript Found At 
Sargossa which I've started today:  "Some critics have said that the 
resolution of this particular novel is disappointing, but it may be that 
no novel of this sort can resolve the problem of an ending which must be 
indefinetly deferred if the entertainment is to continue:  for when the 
voices are stilled and the party breaks up, silence, solitude, absence, 
even a sort of death supervenes.  But for as long as the book remains 
open, inviting the reader into the imaginary hostelry of its pages, it 
can prove itself to be the most lively and entertaining companions". (GR, 
IJ)?



I felt a kind of loss when I finished IJ (I mean being with the 
characters for two weeks or so every day) but after laying in bed 
thinking of the end (the book that is) I'm not too sure the ending is a 
total wash out.-i.e. negative. sunshine, rebirth?  (thinking more 
Vineland than GR here).  But I could read it again and change me mind.  I 
guess this is to be expected in the "togetherness" vein.



Missing Madame Psychosis (met him pike hoses)

Rich

NYC