rubrics (I like that word), wrecking crews and hugfests

[Carvill, John]

Seems the p-list is splitting into two versions of itself: those who are/aren't happy with IV.

The Pynchon I was talking about - he of the powerful imagination and prose, etc. - published a colossal book called 'Against the Day' a few years back, which was stuffed so full of beauty and dualities that you could hardly move for 'em. IV is a very different book, but I find it thoroughly enjoyable on its own terms.

What is strange is that I have noticed at least some correlation between those who didn't like ATD and those who don't like IV. Not saying that includes you, Laura, just that I'd have expected the people who're disappointed by IV to have loved ATD, but that doesn't always seem to be the case. Maybe someone should take a survey!

Plus, lightness aside, IV still has plenty of autobiographical hints, and there remains the hugely intriguing question of how 'connected' to GR it is.



-----Original Message-----
From: owner-pynchon-l at waste.org [mailto:owner-pynchon-l at waste.org] On Behalf Of kelber at mindspring.com

>From: "Carvill, John

But writing occult-informed/inflected works, and satirising occultism, well, it's that sort of duality that makes Pynchon Pynchon.  That and the beautiful prose, unrivalled imagination, and humour, of course.

The Pynchon of IV isn't the Pynchon of GR.  Duality?  Some.  Humor, maybe, but beautiful prose and unrivalled imagination are sorely lacking in IV.  Not to say there aren't one or two passages that are worth quoting, but you have to hunt for them.  In GR, you can find them on almost any page.

Laura