Will Self - How the Dead Live. Worth bothering?

[ipredicttrouble]

Has anyone read this book? Is it worth a read?

I bought it ages ago (can't really remember why to be honest) and found it at the bottom of a pile of books the other day so thought I'd give it a whirl.

I managed about the first 10 pages last night but am struggling. Really not sure if it's going to be my cup of tea so was wondering if anyone could convince me to persevere?

[Jellykat]

Ha,I had the same problem, got to page 5... Determined to try again one day though..

[ipredicttrouble]

Think I might give up Jellykat, really not sure it's my cup of tea.

Now, what to read instead?!

[MurielTheActor]

Oh please don't give up on Will Self - he's SO worth sticking with.
Having said that his more recent stuff is probably a bit less...er... challenging

[ipredicttrouble]

Can you recommend one of his to start with then Muriel?

[MurielTheActor]

Well obviously you have to enjoy his enjoyment of language.
'Dorian' is probably the most accessible - it's a retelling of Picture of Dorian Gray and very beautifully told.
And I loved 'Book of Dave' which is complex but has some of the most fabulous passages in it as Dave, a taxi driver, travels through London. Fantastic descriptions. Quite tricky structure though but really worth the read.

[trixymalixy]

I read it all, didn't like it.

[ipredicttrouble]

Thanks Muriel. I will try again, I think !

Have abandoned it for the time being though & started 'The Gathering' by Anne Enright. Now this has gripped me right from the start .

[HettyAmaretti]

yy, do try again. It's an excellent book, one of my all time favourites. Listen to Muriel!

[CroissantNeuf]

I really struggled with one of his books but can't remember which one now (I don't think it was the one mentioned in the OP though).

I gave up on it in the end and I rarely do that with books.

I might try Dorian

[BeattieBow]

I didn't like it either, found it too depressing.

[ipredicttrouble]

Ooo, thanks for all the opinions. I will go back to it after The Gathering.

[MistressFrankly]

Do give Will Self a good try. I loved How The Dead Live and pretty much all his other stuff. Depressing? Maybe but very entertaining.

[JasHands]

I've read it. Parts are sad but it's worth sticking with if only for the pun he uses on The Artist Formally Known as Prince (about half way through IIRC).

[KateMiddletonsEyebrows]

I love How The Dead Live. It's so funny, and so clever.

[Jellykat]

Ooo - After reading these reviews, i might try again sooner rather then later!