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heathssm's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sidharthvardhan's review against another edition
4.0
Another book too big for its own good. Gissing writes brilliantly but even that couldn't help this book from seeking dragged particularly in third part. In fact, the three part format itself might be in response to the commercial convention of the time, rather than something that sprung out of author's own aesthetic. Gissing may have divided himself into different authors who form the circle of characters in book. My favorite character is Jasper Milvain whose cynical ideas about how to succeed as an author seems to be still true. What makes him more interesting though is that he knows how unlikable his views make him and, despite not wishing to be disliked, still keeps expressing them. His cynicism contrasts idealism of others particularly Edward. Marian Yule makes another important reflection where she wonders if there aren't too many books written already.
natalia_k44's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
ainepalmtree's review against another edition
wow i am honestly weirdly passionate about how great this book is
navinvembar's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book quite a lot - it's fascinating to see how similar the publishing industry of the 1890s is to the one of today. Despite our growth in technology, it doesn't really seem all that different. The effect of the Internet today is analogous to that of the telegraph then. Plus, it's hilarious to see Gissing predict the advent of realism in literature (not that it wasn't happening at the time, but its growth) as well as describing things like The Washington Post Express (a paper for the "quarter-educated" to read on buses). The Victorian melodrama wasn't all that exciting for me, but the rest of it was excellent.
drbjjcarpenter's review against another edition
2.0
A reasonably intriguing read. I found it tedious in places, due to the slow pacing and general lack of happenings. Would probably not recommend it.
dngoldman's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
4.5
"New Grub Street" by George Gissing is a novel that explores the challenges of work life and the impact of economic conditions on literary production. Gissing wrote the book in just two months during the autumn of 1890, producing nearly 4,000 words per day - the same pace as the character Reardon in the story. The novel is divided into three volumes, with some critics suggesting that the second volume is a bit too long.
"New Grub Street" can be considered a meta-novel, as it fictionalizes its own creation and the experiences of its author. It provides a poignant commentary on how the economics of writing can lead to a race to the bottom, impacting the craft of writing. It is also a realistic portrayal of the widespread impact of poverty. Unlike Dickens, Gissing does not take a moralistic approach, portraying characters as products of their economic struggles rather than individuals who can rise above them.
Overall, "New Grub Street" is a novel that deserves more recognition and attention.
"New Grub Street" can be considered a meta-novel, as it fictionalizes its own creation and the experiences of its author. It provides a poignant commentary on how the economics of writing can lead to a race to the bottom, impacting the craft of writing. It is also a realistic portrayal of the widespread impact of poverty. Unlike Dickens, Gissing does not take a moralistic approach, portraying characters as products of their economic struggles rather than individuals who can rise above them.
Overall, "New Grub Street" is a novel that deserves more recognition and attention.
archergal's review against another edition
4.0
Well...
Victorian England, amirite???? Jeezopete.
Writers starving; writer with ambition spurning the first woman he loved so he could marry for money; earnest writer finishes his book, but then sees no future and commits suicide.
I think if I met Jasper Malvain, I'd punch him right in the mouth. What a fucking asshole. And he gets the happy ending???
Jeezopete.
Frustrating to read, but well done. Yay Victorian book club!
Victorian England, amirite???? Jeezopete.
Writers starving; writer with ambition spurning the first woman he loved so he could marry for money; earnest writer finishes his book, but then sees no future and commits suicide.
I think if I met Jasper Malvain, I'd punch him right in the mouth. What a fucking asshole. And he gets the happy ending???
Jeezopete.
Frustrating to read, but well done. Yay Victorian book club!
wolfsonarchitect's review against another edition
4.0
This portrayal of the world of writers lifts up some timeless writing dilemmas of writing for quality or for sales. There are good full-dimensioned characters and some strong women characters who have success writing. It takes a little patience at times with its sermonizing, but I recommend it.