Hmm. A pretty good naturalistic novel about an Irish young man who wants to become a writer. I do not find it offensive (as some others, apparently, do). It is not unlike Stephen Crane or James T. Farrell. I would have to say "Nicely Done." The various essays about the book that are included in this edition are very useful for anyone who wants to know what Joyce's motivations may have been. ( )

I like this more every time I read it. I still don't love it, but I like that I see something different to appreciate each time. ( )

Marginally better than [Ulysses] for me. I think it's because Joyce makes it so easy to loathe Stpehen. Once again, this is one of those books that I can appreciate as part of the canon, but I don't have to like it. Joyce was amazingly talented, but the best thing about this book was when I got to stop trying to understand all his Catholic and Jesuit references. Maybe if Stephen can admit what a pompous jerk he is I woulnd't hate him so much. ( )