Blooms & Barnacles

I’ve purposely avoided Joyce for 30 years. When I recently found a copy of Ulysses at the Goodwill, with the internet support, I decided it was time to give it a go. The Podcast makes the whole Ulysses experience better. Great job and the pictures are great.

I’ve read the book through once before and just recently finished Finnegans Wake. I found the podcast through the episode / blog post about translating Finnegans Wake into Japanese and started listening and never stopped. Almost 60 episodes through and Kelly and Dermot do a great job of making it thought provoking while still casual and not overly (or unnecessarily) intellectual. Would recommend for anyone reading or new to Ulysses. Joyce’s novels are definitely a commitment and this podcast keeps you in the loop while not making you feel like an outsider. I know a lot more about the book, Joyce’s life, and the many many references than I did the first time I dipped my toe in the literary ocean that is Ulysses.

After getting partway into the book with the help of Gifford & Seidman’s notes, the Wikipedia article, CliffsNotes, and starting the Ellman biography, I was understanding a lot of the references and characters. However, I felt I was still missing the soul of the novel. The greatest novel of the 20th century - really? Then I started listening to Blooms and Barnacles. Kelly and Dermot’s background information, and the deeply felt commentary of Dermot and the Irish guests on Irish history and the Irish character, gives me a feel for the fire and blood. It’s all so fascinating I’m following up with their recommendations for other relevant books and podcasts. I’ve fallen into the universe of Ulysses and may never emerge.

I really appreciate this podcast. Both for its tangents and focus around James Joyce and Ulysses. I enjoy Dermot’s insight into the world of Ireland. That is something I was lacking, working with Joyce and I want to learn more. I believe it’s really special in that it is not over analyzed to impress. So many Joyceans tend to overanalyze to match Joyce’s skillset, which in turn makes it another hurdle to overcome. Kelly and Demot, keep it up. I appreciate your dedication and time you have put into this over the years.