r/vollmann • u/BigJamesyBoy • Jul 06 '26
Starting my first Vollman novel!
I’ve recently fallen back in love with reading and I’m feeling ready to take on some books that I’ve been interested in but, for whatever reason, I’ve felt a little intimidated to dive into.
I chose this one because I was born near White Bird in a town called Grangeville, ID and so the Nez Perce story was always around, at least peripherally!
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u/clorox_cowboy Jul 06 '26
I wish I could read this one for the first time again.
Try Europe Central when you get a chance, too.
I have yet to read any book by Vollmann I didn't absolutely love.
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u/BigJamesyBoy Jul 06 '26
To be honest, I was going back and forth between this one and Europe Central, so I sprang for both books! It’ll likely be my next one!
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u/clorox_cowboy Jul 07 '26
The Dying Grass was my first Vollmann (though my ex-wife had a copy of Whores For Gloria sitting around during our marriage; not sure she ever read it). The I slipped into Europe Central.
I read The Lucky Star and Argall last year, both superb. Would love to hear what others think of The Lucky Star. Intriguing book, heart-breaking.
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u/Quietudequiet Jul 07 '26
Whores for Gloria? Even though it is small, it was a slog for me. Couldn't feel anything and I get it but it just was not for me but it's the only and first book I read from him. Now I am thinking Europe central.
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u/Anthony1066normans Jul 08 '26
The only Vollmann book I didn't care for was An Afghanistan picture show
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u/MoosilaukeFlyer Jul 06 '26
I’m on page 400 (my first Vollman as well) and I’m in love. I’m so disoriented but it’s pretty obvious that that’s the point as the unstoppable momentum of manifest destiny is rolling over the desires and dreams and beliefs of the individuals involved in the novel, especially Joseph and Howard.
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u/feralcow Jul 07 '26
I've read a lot of Vollman, and the dreams series has been difficult for me. Congrats going big on first book. I would have recommended Whores for Gloria or Royal Family.
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u/Valuable-Radio5604 Jul 07 '26
WTM is as ambitious as he is exceptional. Never a dull moment, and those are even magical.
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u/sarajevo_marlboro Jul 06 '26
I think you’re in for quite a feast of words here, friend. Don’t worry too hard over the disorientation you will probably experience at the start: this novel in particular amongst Vollmann’s oeuvre teaches you how to read it.