I got this book last year, because I thought it will be interesting to read a graphic novel adaptation of James Joyce’s classic. But after browsing it, I put it aside, because it didn’t look convincing. I thought that whenever I read it, I’d find the experience underwhelming and maybe I might even say not-so-nice things about it. I picked it up yesterday and I finished reading it today. I’ve to say that I was surprised. The book is interesting and fascinating! Not at all like I imagined! First appearances can be deceptive.
The artwork style in the book is minimalistic, I think the adaptation conveys the existential crisis that is probably featured in Joyce’s original, and Nicolas Mahler does his own thing by moving the story to Vienna and borrowing stuff from newspaper comics and the Viennese newspapers from that time. There is a lot to think about and discuss about in this adaptation – every page can be analyzed and discussed, probably. It is a great companion read with Joyce’s original. Unfortunately, I haven’t read Joyce’s original classic yet, and so I might have missed out on some of the nuances and the subtext. But this adaptation made me want to read Joyce’s book soon and then I’ll come back and read this again to experience more literary pleasure. I’m sharing a couple of pages from the book to give you a feel for its artwork.
I read this for German Literature Month which happens every year in November. I’ve participated in every edition of this reading event since the beginning, and this is my thirteenth year of participation. Feeling so happy about it. This graphic novel adaptation was originally written in German and has been translated into English. So sneaking it in here 😄
Have you read this book or James Joyce’s original? What do you think about them?
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