Dubliners

by James Joyce
Dubliners cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Short Story Collections
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £2.99–£14.99 Hardback • £10.99–£16.99
Bookshop
Format • £8.54–£9.49
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 1478
  • Added: 2025-10-06
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780192839992
  • Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
  • Published: 2000-01-01
  • Formats: 76
  • Reviews: 3

James Joyce's Dubliners is a masterful collection of short stories that vividly portrays the lives of ordinary people in early 20th-century Dublin. Through a diverse cast of characters, Joyce explores themes of paralysis, escape, and the complexities of human relationships, offering a profound and often humorous glimpse into the city's soul. The stories are renowned for their intricate prose and deep psychological insight, making Dubliners a cornerstone of modernist literature. /n/n Published in 1914, Dubliners is not just a snapshot of a city but a timeless exploration of the human condition. Joyce's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life make this collection a must-read for anyone interested in literary fiction and the intricacies of human behavior.

Reviews
Petrina Binney's Blog · Petrina Binney · 2021-09-15
profound 4.50

The collection captures the essence of a changing Ireland, tackling themes of nationalism, religion, and personal struggles. The stories are deeply rooted in their time and offer a profound look at Dublin's society.

Petrina Binney highlights how James Joyce's Dubliners is a powerful reflection of early 20th-century Ireland. She appreciates how Joyce doesn't shy away from controversial subjects like nationalism and religion, providing a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Dublin's inhabitants. Binney finds the stories to be deeply moving, each one offering a unique perspective on the societal and personal struggles of the time. She particularly admires Joyce's ability to weave together complex themes with everyday experiences, making the collection both relatable and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Joyce does not shy away from subjects including nationalism, religion and personal frustration.

    The collection captures the essence of a changing Ireland.

    Each story offers a unique perspective on the societal and personal struggles of the time.

Reddit - Books · 2019-01-30
engaging 4.00

The stories feel like small, intimate snapshots of characters' lives, often lacking context but rich in detail. This approach makes the collection feel personal and engaging.

A Reddit user shares their appreciation for Dubliners, noting how each story feels like a brief, intimate glimpse into the lives of its characters. They enjoy the lack of context, which adds a layer of mystery and intrigue. The reviewer finds the stories to be deeply personal and engaging, making the collection a unique and captivating read. They highlight how Joyce's ability to capture small moments with such detail makes Dubliners a standout work.

Quick quotes

    Many of the stories felt like they were small snippets of the characters' lives.

    Often free from context or backstory.

    Rich in detail and deeply personal.

The Paris Review · 2014-11-12
timeless 5.00

The book is a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers across different stages of their lives. Each reading reveals new layers and insights.

The Paris Review describes Dubliners as one of those books that stays with you throughout your life. They emphasize how each reading of the collection brings new understandings and appreciations. The reviewer finds that Joyce's stories are timeless, offering something fresh and relevant with every revisit. This enduring quality makes Dubliners a book that readers return to again and again, discovering new depths and meanings each time.

Quick quotes

    Dubliners is one of those books that tracks you through life, that you return to again and again.

    Finding something new every time.

    A book that readers return to again and again.

Appears in Lists