Gaddis and Pynchon

[s~Z]

While I agree that GR is far superior to MD, I believe that everything
MalignD said about Pale Fire is also true of MD, with the notable exception
that I did not find MD dazzling to read. When participating in the first
MDMD, I was quite amazed at MD's qualities as a 'perversely structured
puzzle and mystery that keeps unfolding onto ever-changing levels of story
and meaning.' The more carefully one looks at the text and follows its leads
and interconnections, the more amazing the book becomes. So, for me, it was
fun to dig into and study for an online book discussion, but a dreadful bore
to read. Had there been no MDMD, I would not have read MD. The Recognitions,
for me, is the epitome of 'dazzling to read.' Whatever its shortcomings and
excesses, there are many sentences and passages in that novel that equal and
surpass anything Pynchon has written.