Works by Joyce are not casual reading, but making it thru each work is worth it. This is a semi-autobiographical work about Joyce's life in Ireland thru his early 20s(?). He goes thru the typical issues any young man would, but Joyce's descriptions of them are wonderful. This is not a page turner of a book, it's a multicourse feast. It helps if there's some kind of guide in the edition you read (who understands all the religious references, or has a street guide to early 20th century Dublin?). The struggle with the church is esp. hard. Well worth the effort to read this. Four stars (not five, because it is so challenging)

I survived! Wow! This study of an Irish Catholic boy on his journey to becoming an artist was hard to get through. The style and themes were interesting, but the religious bits, particularly the struggle over his soul's salvation made me feel like I was walking backwards waist deep through mud. I was clearly unprepared for this particular piece of literature, but am grateful, regardless, that I was able to muddle through it.

Been there. Done that. To quote the Grateful Dead, "What a long, strange trip it's been".

I very much enjoyed this, although I found that many passages from the last section of the book escaped me. But certainly a worthwhile read.

A much more accessible work for someone who wants to try reading Joyce. Definitely easier than Ulysses! Prose is gorgeous, well worth any effort it takes to get through it.