Ulysses and Us: The Art of Everyday Life in Joyce's Masterpiece - Declan Kiberd
Can attaining “classic” status be the kiss of death for a book? Ulysses And Us (W.W. Norton, $28.95) is an enthusiastic, knowledgeable tour of Joyce’s masterpiece by a guide dedicated to showing readers they can tackle the novel on their own. Declan Kiberd, an Irish literature professor, removes the book from the Empyrean clouds and puts it back where it belongs, in the Dublin of 16 June 1904. He reminds us that Joyce wrote about ordinary people for ordinary people, that he was a socialist and felt more at home among workers than intellectuals. His narrative unfolds through mundane errands, pub chats, jokes, a funeral, a cuckolding, and plenty of drink. The characters observe the goings-on and the passers-by, and out of this modern welter of activity Joyce conveys the dignity and wisdom of everyday life, intending his story to offer a few chuckles and help people cope. Now, what’s so intimidating about that?