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What is supposedly so great about this book? It has a rather dark story that isn't particularly interesting, and many of the characters are, to be gentle, quite eccentric. The story doesn't seem like either drama, comedy, or satire.

I literally don't understand this conversation. It's a 80-year-old book (time-tested!) that Catholics are willing to read. The reason certain books are consistently read is that avid readers learn from experience which books generate interest and edify them in their faith. When a book stops doing that, they change them up.

Apparently, you are a child who is about 99% of the way to be blocked. Do you wanna be an adult?

Doom, lighten up that Mood.

Also, my reply was pretty fitting. So do what you must.

p.falk wrote: ↑Mon Sep 15, 2025 6:36 am It's a 80-year-old book (time-tested!) that Catholics are willing to read.

Pfft. I was about to swear I started it twice and gave up. According to my meticulous records, I actually read it in 2017. Nothing stuck, evidently.

I've read it and enjoyed it. But not every book is for everyone.

I will say that I almost put it down in the middle - I don't want to spoil it by saying why but if you've read it, it can't be too hard to puzzle it out. But finishing it was rewarding. So if Doom is running into issues, but hasn't yet finished it, I would encourage him to stick it out.

Waugh.

Is this the room for being hit in the head lessons?

peregrinator wrote: ↑Fri Sep 19, 2025 3:15 pm I will say that I almost put it down in the middle - I don't want to spoil it by saying why but if you've read it, it can't be too hard to puzzle it out. But finishing it was rewarding. So if Doom is running into issues, but hasn't yet finished it, I would encourage him to stick it out.

I finished it before I made my first post, and I did not like it. That is why I asked why it is considered such a great Catholic classic. I didn't find any of the characters likeable or appealing, and they all seem to lead sad and tragic lives that go nowhere. I would have pegged it as existentialist myself if I hadn't heard differently before I read it.