Almost done with M&D

[Steven Maas (CUTR)]

Michael McAulay wrote:
> I have to echo those who have defended M&D's stature viz. the rest of
> Pynchon's work. [snip]
> My appreciation for M&D continues to expand like Mason's waistline (or
> my own).  At this point I would rate it second best overall.  GR seems
> kind of untouchable at this point, a real magnum opus.  But M&D strikes
> me as way richer than any of the others, and believe me I like 'em all.

My sentiments match these of Michael's nearly word for word.  Oh
Doppelganger, My Doppelganger.

(Caution:  The following thoughts are dangerously nascent.) 

I think that I think that the very richness of M&D that you mention is
part of why overall I still am more wowed by GR.  In GR ". . .every one of
them words rang true / And glowed like burning coal" (apologies to BD),
and the amazing power of each scene seems to have been left intact often
without worrying about tying it all clearly together.  In M&D it seems P. 
spent much more effort making a more coherent narrative and adding that
richness.  It's as if in gaining that deep luster, likely through endless
polishings until each phrase shone like a gem, the rough edge, the raw
power was diminished.  No gain without loss, I guess.  [All claims subject
to change without prior notice.]

	Steve Maas