03.30.09
Grass: The Flounder
After learning about Grass’ past involvement with the Waffen-SS, I was reluctant to read any of his works even though The Tin Drum continues to be hailed as anti-Nazi. Nevertheless, after reading The Flounder, I realized that I would have missed an exceptional piece of literature had I ignored the urges of a certain Günter Grass fan.
Imagine history written poetically with the abiding erudition of the great German authors, the wondrous language and imagination of Umberto Eco, and the philosophical and double-entendric humor of Tom Robbins. The result would come rather close to The Flounder by Günter Grass.
Not only is it a satire about the relationships and roles of men and women throughout the ages, but it is also a subtle satire of civilization and world history, from the stone ages to the present. Pun intended, one can surely say that it’s a book for all ages. A mighty thick book, but highly entertaining while every page abounds with eloquence and significance.
Some people ask me about requirements when reading a particularly thick book. I only answer such questions with a smile, but besides time, I would have to say that for The Flounder, it would have to be a sense of humour. Other than being a book for all ages, it is also a book for everyone: A chef will enjoy this book just as much as a philosopher would – as long as both have a knack for humour. Without humour, The Flounder might be forced to remain nonsensical and even obscene.
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“Where, when the ear is covered or committed to other images,
do crumbs of laughter nestle?”
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One more thing, don’t read it during recital month and when you’re trying not to take reading religiously! I did, and this resulted in a series of interruptions and withdrawal symptoms. =P
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Günter Grass triumphed over John Fowles in the 1999 Nobel nominations, and as one may have already noticed, I am reading my way through a Nobel marathon. This way, I’ll be absorbing diverse but lauded literary characteristics.The experience is proving to be surprising and exciting. It is almost like traveling. Even though one cannot compare the actual adventure to life behind book covers, it is still a grand substitute while you cannot be anywhere else but home.
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karlo said,
March 31, 2009 at 7:55 pm
It’s a good thing that Grass’ former political involvement didn’t stop you from reading his books. After all, there are many ways of reading and it the case for all great works of literature to have more truth in their decontextualized than historically accurate reading, to survive outside of the author’s particular intention/experience and embrace a multiplicity of meanings.
I’m looking forward to reading about the rest of your Nobel laureate marathon.
Also, you may be interested to join the Global Voices Book Challenge for the World Book Day.
Miracle ♪♫ said,
April 1, 2009 at 6:59 am
Hi Karlo! What an exceptional venture by Global Voices! I read your post about it earlier and it really got me interested, but I’m not sure my wee library contains a book from a country whose literature I’ve never read anything of before. I’ll keep looking all the same. I’ll also herald this challenge at my “Polybibliogamist” account, via your blog, so other bookworms may be informed.
I’m looking forward to share the rest of the “Nobel marathon” with everyone here.
Hmmm… thank you for continuing to shed a different light on reading each time, Karlo.
karlo said,
April 1, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Different light indeed, half of that previous comment is barely, if not, readable! :) Allow me to reformulate the recklessly constructed sentence (if it can properly be called that at all in the first place!): There are many ways of reading and it is the case for all great works of literature to have more truth in their decontextualized than historically accurate reading. In fact, one mark of a work’s greatness is its ability to survive outside and/or go beyond the author’s particular intention/experience: its embrace of a multiplicity of meanings.
Thanks for sharing the challenge in your other account. I hope you find a book. It indeed is a tricky enterprise. I myself am still looking for something to read for the challenge. :)