This was just a fantastic read, and as you have said I don’t think that I will fully leave Gormenghast behind. I have to admit that I probably would not have read the books only for this book club, and for that I’m extremely grateful. I will be revisiting the trilogy as I’m sure I’ve a lot more to get for it.
I did find the transition from Titus Groan and Gormenghast to Titus Alone to be difficult. We went from this wonderful Gothic world to something quite different, but after overcoming this I became deeply immersed in the final instalment.
I think we clearly see here Mervyn Peake pulling from his experiences during the second war as a witness to the industrialised murder of the holocaust, in his description of the factory in Titus Alone.
I wonder is there also a clash between the old and new as we move from Gormenghast, a gothic medieval type place, to cars and flying machines in Titus Alone.
I wonder also about Titus himself who at times is not a very likeable character and most definitely unpredictable, some of his choices are questionable. But then I suppose like us all he has his flaws.
But what a journey I found myself taking my time, making notes and rereading parts it really captured my imagination.
Many thanks again for the idea of starting the Gothic Book club and for the work you done on the Substack, I’m sure I speak for everyone that it’s very much appreciated.
Phil, thank you SO much for your kind words. I am delighted you connected with the book in such a way. You did the right thing to take your time with it as well. It's one of those titles which are landmark reading experiences, and I'm so glad we all got to do it together. It was a remarkable way to kick off this book club, and I really hope we continue to build on that momentum, making discoveries and favourites along the way.
Excellent. I just finished Titus Alone. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it but I think I liked it the most out of the three. Loved the descriptions, the offbeat characters and I felt so deeply for Titus. I was so sad when I was finished reading; not knowing what will become of Titus. Thanks Colin for the Gormenghast universe, it will never leave us!
I'm delighted that you found it so resonant. I was the same. I've been watching the BBC adaptation this week, just to stay in the world a little longer. I have to say, while simplistic, it isn't bad at all.
Me, I'm still plowing, relishing (as a retired academic) the absurd hilarity of The Professors. Perhaps a bit too tempted to say, as the joke goes, "Hey, I resemble that remark!"
My opinion is dreadfully unpopular, but I thought the ending was interesting. I took it as if once Titus saw the outside world, he realized he had more in common with his family then he thought. While it seemed unbelievable to question the existence of Gormenghast after all we've been through, I guess if we look at it through a different lens, how could Gormenghast possibly be based in reality? Maybe that was a political commentary of sorts, but it is deeply honest, though haunting and upsetting. I enjoyed reading this post. Thank you!
This was just a fantastic read, and as you have said I don’t think that I will fully leave Gormenghast behind. I have to admit that I probably would not have read the books only for this book club, and for that I’m extremely grateful. I will be revisiting the trilogy as I’m sure I’ve a lot more to get for it.
I did find the transition from Titus Groan and Gormenghast to Titus Alone to be difficult. We went from this wonderful Gothic world to something quite different, but after overcoming this I became deeply immersed in the final instalment.
I think we clearly see here Mervyn Peake pulling from his experiences during the second war as a witness to the industrialised murder of the holocaust, in his description of the factory in Titus Alone.
I wonder is there also a clash between the old and new as we move from Gormenghast, a gothic medieval type place, to cars and flying machines in Titus Alone.
I wonder also about Titus himself who at times is not a very likeable character and most definitely unpredictable, some of his choices are questionable. But then I suppose like us all he has his flaws.
But what a journey I found myself taking my time, making notes and rereading parts it really captured my imagination.
Many thanks again for the idea of starting the Gothic Book club and for the work you done on the Substack, I’m sure I speak for everyone that it’s very much appreciated.
Phil, thank you SO much for your kind words. I am delighted you connected with the book in such a way. You did the right thing to take your time with it as well. It's one of those titles which are landmark reading experiences, and I'm so glad we all got to do it together. It was a remarkable way to kick off this book club, and I really hope we continue to build on that momentum, making discoveries and favourites along the way.
Excellent. I just finished Titus Alone. I wasn't sure how I would feel about it but I think I liked it the most out of the three. Loved the descriptions, the offbeat characters and I felt so deeply for Titus. I was so sad when I was finished reading; not knowing what will become of Titus. Thanks Colin for the Gormenghast universe, it will never leave us!
I'm delighted that you found it so resonant. I was the same. I've been watching the BBC adaptation this week, just to stay in the world a little longer. I have to say, while simplistic, it isn't bad at all.
Exactly, Colin.
Me, I'm still plowing, relishing (as a retired academic) the absurd hilarity of The Professors. Perhaps a bit too tempted to say, as the joke goes, "Hey, I resemble that remark!"
On to China Mieville and Bas Lag?
“He had no longer any need for home, for he carried his Gormenghast within him.”
I think we all do.
My opinion is dreadfully unpopular, but I thought the ending was interesting. I took it as if once Titus saw the outside world, he realized he had more in common with his family then he thought. While it seemed unbelievable to question the existence of Gormenghast after all we've been through, I guess if we look at it through a different lens, how could Gormenghast possibly be based in reality? Maybe that was a political commentary of sorts, but it is deeply honest, though haunting and upsetting. I enjoyed reading this post. Thank you!