Larry Kirwan Waxes James Joyce
Larry Kirwan of Black 47 has wished everyone a belated Happy Bloomsday.
Strictly speaking he’s wishing us a Happy Mollyday as he renames it. Larry considers Ulysses the greatest book ever written.
And why? Because it changed the way we think of ourselves, says Larry. Kirwan also elaborates on a theme we’ve mentioned on Irish KC before, that of the musical quality of Ulysses. Last year we spoke of why so many of Joyce’s words are turned into songs.
Kirwan makes a case for easy access into Ulysses:
All right, so you’ve never been able to get into it - much less finish it. Very understandable. Then again, you’ve probably made two mistakes: you’ve read it silently and started at the beginning. This book is meant to be read aloud because it was written by a musician. it’s as rhythmical as Miles Davis or Christy Moore and it’s a bawdy, blowsy, ballsy celebration of life. It’s not for the faint of heart, although there are sublime and spiritual passages that can take your breath away. Joyce is a far from linear personality or writer, so starting at page one is a waste of time for most of us. Rather, just randomly rifle through the bloody book until you find a section that captures your attention. And if that fails, then go to the end and jump right into Molly Bloom’s soliloquy;if that woman doesn’t grab you, then perhaps you should invest a quarter in the New York Post and catch up on Paris or Britney.
Read the rest of Larry Kirwan’s belated bloomsday blogpost which includes a recommendation for The Dead, a short story in Dubliners, and many people’s favourite work by Joyce.
Listen to Molly from Larry Kirwan’s solo album Kilroy Was Here on Larry’s MySpace
See Also:
• The Heart Has a Mind of its Own by Larry Kirwan
• Larry Kirwan Podcast Interview
• “Irish Festivals” An Essay by Larry Kirwan
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