Ulysses

by James Joyce
Ulysses cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £4.99–£28.00 Hardback • £19.99–£84.99
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  • ID: 10449
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-03-10
  • ISBN: 9781521900963
  • Publisher: Amaryllis - an Imprint of Manjul Publishing House
  • Published: 2017-07-21
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 4

Ulysses is a modernist novel by Irish writer James Joyce, first published in 1922. It is renowned for its innovative stream-of-consciousness technique, experimental prose, and extensive use of puns, parodies, and allusions. The novel chronicles the appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin on June 16, 1904, drawing parallels with Homer's Odyssey. The book is divided into eighteen episodes and is celebrated for its rich characterization and broad humor. It has been ranked as one of the best English-language novels of the 20th century and has inspired global celebrations like Bloomsday. Despite its initial controversy and obscenity trials, Ulysses remains a highly regarded work in the modernist pantheon.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-02-21
rewarding 3.80

Ulysses is a challenging but rewarding novel that requires patience and guidance. Its prose is daunting at first but ultimately worthwhile.

The Goodreads reviewer emphasizes that Ulysses is not an easy novel to read, but it is well worth the effort. They note that the prose can be daunting at first, but with patience and a bit of guidance, the reader can fully appreciate the book's depth and complexity. The reviewer highlights the novel's significance and the reward that comes from persevering through its challenges.

Quick quotes

    Ulysses is not an easy novel by any means, but it is well worth the effort.

    The prose may be daunting at first, but patience, and a bit of guidance can really help.

    It's a book that demands your full attention and engagement.

Timothy R. Keen · 2023-09-01
demanding 3.00

Ulysses is the most difficult book the reviewer has ever read. It is a complex and demanding work that requires significant effort to understand.

The reviewer describes Ulysses as the most difficult book they have ever encountered, both in terms of reading and comprehension. They initially expected a different kind of story but found the novel to be a complex and challenging exploration of human consciousness. The reviewer appreciates the depth and intricacy of the work but acknowledges the significant effort required to fully engage with it.

Quick quotes

    This was the most difficult book I've ever read, or even imagined.

    I thought it would be some kind of Horatio Alger story with a lot of sex and booze.

    It's a book that demands your full attention and intellectual engagement.

The Guardian · Anne Enright · 2022-01-29
insightful 4.50

Ulysses is a deeply humane and funny text that expands the reader's perception of the world. It is a living, shifting narrative that invites multiple interpretations.

Anne Enright celebrates Ulysses as a profoundly human and humorous work that enriches the reader's understanding of the world. She highlights its dynamic nature, which allows for a variety of interpretations and keeps the text alive and relevant. Enright appreciates the novel's ability to capture the essence of human experience in all its complexity, making it a timeless and engaging read.

Quick quotes

    Ulysses is a living, shifting, deeply humane text that is also very funny.

    It makes the world bigger.

    About a third of those who attempt the book give up.

Keeping Up With The Penguins · 2020-03-17
challenging 3.80

Ulysses is a challenging read that requires patience and guidance. The prose can be daunting, but the effort is rewarding.

The reviewer acknowledges that Ulysses is not an easy novel, but it is well worth the effort. They suggest that the prose can be intimidating at first, but with patience and some guidance, the reader can fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the work. The reviewer highlights the novel's unique style and its ability to capture the intricacies of human thought and experience.

Quick quotes

    Ulysses is not an easy novel by any means, but it is well worth the effort.

    The prose may be daunting at first, but patients, and a bit of guidance can really help.

    It's a book that demands your attention and rewards your effort.

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