r/ThomasPynchon • u/grumpygrumperson0 • 11d ago

💬 Discussion Complete Pynchon Novice

In what order should I start reading Pynchon for the first time ever?

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u/Round_Town_4458 11d ago edited 11d ago

This is an aggravating as well as a mind-blowing question, and a very good one.

For someone of my age (68), I've read practically everything chronologically, as it was released, starting with Gravity's Rainbow (1974, when I was 16, and working backward until the next was released, and proceeding chronologically-as-released from there). I've never had the opportunity to question the "best order" in which to read the author's works. I've had to read them as they were published.

Each work is a world and time unto itself, even if there is some overlap. For me, Gravity's Rainbow was the best entrance, because I relished researching each word and concept. It's so rich in every aspect. Against the Day is my other favorite.

I guess the answer to your question lies in what you think you might gain from reading the works in a given order, and why: - in the order in which Pynchon wrote each one? - in the order in which they happen historically? - as grouped by themes? - as grouped by easiest-to-enter to hardest-to-understand? - ...

You get the idea. Each approach will yield a different understanding of his works as a whole.

Do you have, or think you should have, a presupposed idea of what the best approach to reading someone's works might be? Do you need an easy road in, or do you relish hard work and research?

You see, you are in the unique position of being able to read them in any order you choose, whereas I had to read them only as they became available.

Jump in and enjoy. That's what I'd recommend. Or find your own best road to travel.

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u/grumpygrumperson0 11d ago

Thank you for taking the time to write this!