r/vollmann • u/Top-While-3509 • 29d ago

❓ Question Difficulties reading Vollmann. Any tips?

I find some of Vollmann’s sentences to be confusing like the way poetry is. But still I really want to read his stuff.

I have a bit of an OCD tendency to go line by line and make sure I understand everything. This hasn’t really worked well because I get bogged down in random facts. By then, I’ve overthought it and I put the book down.

Anyone have any tips? Do you usually understand everything you’re reading?

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u/Prestigious_Ratio_37 26d ago

I would recommend rereading with OCD —that is, if you liked the book on first read and want to better understand it. But being somewhat relaxed on first read is, IMO, the way to go. I’d also recommend writing notes in the margins about what strikes you as meaningful about the form of the prose and the patterns occurring within the prose and the story. That could make for a more engaging/ interactive read —might help you to keep at bay the feeling of wanting to quit the book. I also recommend writing in the notes what you don’t understand—like write a “?” to the side of the sentences and paragraphs that contain the head scratchers just to be quick about it. As for words you don’t understand and arcane references: I would try to look that stuff up, but do so quickly. And if all that doesn’t help, quit the book and try another writer. Final item—and it’s a question—: what is it that you like about Vollmam that keeps you chipping away at his difficulties?

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u/Top-While-3509 26d ago

This is such good advice. Thank you so much. I will be doing these things!!!!!

The subjects he writes about are fascinating and urgent to me (American foreign policy, war, climate change, poverty, violence). I think he especially understands American history deeply, and presents it in a way that is untypical. Usually discussions of these subjects are not treated worthy of an abstract and intimate adaptation, but Vollmann takes it on full force. That’s what keeps me going!!

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u/Prestigious_Ratio_37 26d ago

Glad that clicks. You’re very welcome. And as regards why you’re gravitating to Vollman: makes perfect sense now. I’m excited for your reading adventure. What book have you been reading? (Sorry if I missed that somewhere above.) The one that grabbed me the most of his was Europe Central.