Is anyone here disappointed when they read a novel described as "funny", but it turns out to use really lame humor?
White Noise, Infinite Jest, The Corrections and Gravity's Rainbow were all terribly unfunny to me. Sitcom writing is funnier.
Catch 22's dry absurdity and Dunce's ridiculous protagonist were funny, though. These are the only two novels I've ever found funny. I've always been meaning to try Wodehouse.
I think describing a book as funny is pretty pointless, since everyone has a different sense of humor.
Infinite Jest wasn't supposed to be funny.
>>7723654
yet it was full of jokes
evelyn waugh
also the unconsoled by ishiguro
>>7723654
It has an odd duality to it, some consider it to be very depressing, and others consider it to be hilarious.
I don't feel as if the intent is as important as the reaction.
The Corrections is shit. Good critics have panned Franzen for essentially producing a cheap imitation of a Simpsons episode in book form.
>>7723647
the bible is the funniest book i've read
>>7723660
They weren't jokes. Too sincere for you, I guess : /
>>7723647
What didn't you like about Gravity's Rainbow? Shit was UPROARIOUS. More laffs per page than pretty much anything else I've ever read
I also think Catch-22 and Dunce are very funny
>>7723673
jokes can be sincere, has your mind been rotted by irony or what
>>7723647
american psycho if you are into black humour
>>7723676
the only thing funny about pynchon is his lack of talent
>>7723665
I remember I found the video they watched in the college ("you go, girl!") kinda funny, actually... but it was a tiny oasis in a vast, humorless desert.
>>7723654
Woman getting her heart stolen by a tranny prostitute and everyone assuming it was a lovers quarrel was pretty funny.
The only laugh out loud Pynchon book is Vineland.
>>7723654
It's nice that you watched a DFW interview. The book as a whole might not supposed to be funny, but there are absolutely parts that are.
Not even going to get into the death of the author rabbit hole.
>American "Humour"
>>7723719
I can't help but notice your insincere tone. Not surprised you didn't get it.
>>7723727
americans spell it 'humor'
also
>using double inverted commas
the americanisation is real
Confederacy of Dunces makes me fucking cry every time I give it a read
Toole didn't make it guys, he fucking killed himself, I've never felt so connected to an author or character, and it all ends in depression and death, FUCK
I hear you but Gravity's Rainbow is absolutely hysterical
