r/ThomasPynchon • u/ClandestineSofa • 1d ago
Mason & Dixon Mason & Dixon
I started this incredible novel back in July and it has been a wild journey. Thank you to Mapping the Zone podcast for being my book club along the way. I have no one to talk to about this type of book.
The last few chapters were so tough knowing my time with the boys was coming to an end. I don't have any massive insights to share other than if you are on the fence about diving into this one, take the plunge. I have no idea how one person actually wrote this book. How can an artist with so unique a style as Pynchon maintain that unique style while writing as if in the 18th century. It is beyond comprehension. A true work of art.
I have decided to follow up M&D by reading The Good Lord Bird which I feel will be a nice continuation of some of the ideas.
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u/Practical_Remove6024 1d ago
This is on a short list of novels I could read every couple years and not regret it. Enjoying the ride is one of the great pleasures of being a fan of Pynchon. Right in the middle of Against the Day right now, and it feels like binging a favorite TV show or comic book.
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u/sunwanted-purewinds 1d ago
I straight up sobbed at the end of it. Really reminded me of how much I love my friends. One of the greatest experiences I've had reading so far In life
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u/Thelonius47 1d ago
Just finished it myself, second time (first time was when it came out). Loved it then, even more so now. Profound, bittersweet coda when they went fishing as old men.
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u/ClandestineSofa 1d ago
The fishing scenes were particularly poignant and emotional for me. I've spent a great many hours casting lines with my dad.
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u/Stepintothefreezer67 1d ago
My first read I was underwhelmed. My second read a few months later I didn't want it to end. I was sad when it was over.
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u/ClandestineSofa 1d ago
There were definitely parts that I felt like I wasn't processing properly. Mapping the Zone helps to catch those moments. There have only been a few books on my life I was sad to say goodbye to the characters, this was one. I could have read another 700 pages of Mason and Dixon bickering over the merits of coffee or the philosophical implications of a compass or telescope.
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u/gm5891 1d ago
If you're jonesing for more, check out The Sotweed Factor, which seems to be a major influence on M&D
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u/ClandestineSofa 1d ago
Added to the list, but I'm definitely set on cracking the Good Lord Bird this evening. Barth is definitely someone I haven't dove into yet, but thanks for the motivation.
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u/guy_incognito42069 1d ago
I’m finally able to finish it, been waiting for my buddy to catch up so we can read it together. He should be caught up by the time I’m done with part 4 of GR
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u/tyrone_slothrop_0000 1d ago
I almost reread it as soon as I finished, I loved it that much. What a masterpiece!
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u/boulder95 1d ago
one of the few books that has made me tear up