590. Giles Goat-Boy

Giles Goat-Boy
John Barth
1966
Around 750 pages

Naturally as an avid Buffy the Vampire Slayer fan, the first thing that came to my mind was a Mr. Rupert Giles, librarian/watcher/sex god. Obviously, his name should not be taken in vain, and certainly not used for a Goat-Boy's name. For shame.

George Giles was raised by goats, and thinks he is a goat. The entire world of our Goat-Boy is very strange, as the universe is portrayed as a giant campus, and the plot follows Giles' quest to become a Grand Tutor. There's also a random play within the story which is a kind of parody of Oedipus Rex. 

This novel was written for university students, so they can map out all the allegories and supplement the reading with articles about the Cold War. I'm just glad I didn't have to go through all that. I actually really liked our previous John Barth, so this was pretty disappointing. Oh well, he's not the first author I've enjoyed who I've lost to postmodernism.

I never find parody particularly funny, and it doesn't make the racism or sexism any easier to swallow. Way too long as well. Skip.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

On The New York Times bestseller list in 1966 for 12 weeks, but was coldly received in England.

UP NEXT: The Vice-Consul by Marguerite Duras

526. The End of the Road

The End of the Road
John Barth
1958
Around 200 pages

I was blown away by The Floating Opera, so I successfully set myself up for disappointment with his second novel. This mostly felt like a retread of the themes that Barth had previously explored in his first book. Maybe if this had been my first Barth experience, it would seem fresher.

Jacob Horner becomes paralyzed at the Pennsylvania Railroad Station in Baltimore. An unnamed doctor takes him under his care at a private therapy center, and suggests he get a job teaching. Jacob secures a teaching position at Wicomico State Teachers College, and befriends Joe Morgan and his wife Rennie. He begins an affair with Rennie. I guess Barth was really into threesomes.

There are two women in this novel, and both women like to be hit by their partner, as a sign of "respect." In general, the women behave in an over the top manner and act as though they are always verging on hysterics. 

That being said, I do enjoy Barth's style and I find some of the interactions amusing. But I think I've had enough of the throuples. 

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Adapted into a film in 1970, and rated X for the graphic abortion scene.

Critics and Barth both condemned the film.

UP NEXT: The Bell by Iris Murdoch

512. The Floating Opera

The Floating Opera
John Barth
1956
Around 275 pages

Wow, two unexpectedly brilliant novels in a row! Surely the List will not let us enjoy ourselves this much without something up its sleeve. There's a storm comings laddies.

Our story is narrated by Todd Andrews, who is fully aware he is telling us a story. It felt like a throwback to Thackeray and Fielding days, when authors took on the personas of gracious hosts entertaining a dinner party. And I personally find the technique very charming. Anyway, Todd has decided to kill himself but resolves to behave as normally as possible on the Big Day. Todd has a fascinating history, having survived the war and the suicide of his father. He is also currently sleeping with a married woman, Jane, and is good friends with her husband Harrison.

This is Barth's first published work and I could kind of tell he was nervous and self conscious. But I thought this tic made the story more endearing. I guess that sounds condescending, but I truly enjoyed his meta analyses of why he was making certain storytelling choices. I'll be curious to see if he continues this style as he gains more confidence as a writer.

This is a nihilist work, but like all great nihilist works, it's funny too. For a first work, this is incredible.

I am now officially a Barther.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

New York Times reviewer Orville Prescott called the "odd" book dull, labored, and flat, saying "It is impossible to believe that anyone who took such relish in his own sense of humor, in Maryland rye and in lovemaking would consider suicide for a moment."

UP NEXT: Seize the Day by Saul Bellow