There are so many books that are well written, considered masterpieces, but are not *good* books—most of the pre 1900s "classics" fall into that category for me.
Though, I do find it interesting when it was the author& #39;s intent to make us dislike the main character/theme.
Though, I do find it interesting when it was the author& #39;s intent to make us dislike the main character/theme.
Take Salinger& #39;s Hapworth 16, 1924: Seymour is so unlikeable (surely it& #39;s intentional?!), that it& #39;s practically impossible to enjoy the story. If I met Seymour irl, I& #39;d avoid him like the plague, and that& #39;s how I felt reading it. Every second in his company was/is hell.
Roth& #39;s Portnoy& #39;s Complaint is another—a monologue between client & therapist. It was tedious & often dense. I had little sympathy &, at times, just wanted him to shut up. Roth drew me in so far that I felt a part of the story (like the therapist) but didn& #39;t enjoy the experience.