Book Review

“Ulysses” by James Joyce is a modern novel written in the early 20th century. This significant piece of literature is set in Dublin and follows the experiences of its main characters, mainly Leopold Bloom, as well as Stephen Dedalus and Molly Bloom, over the span of a single day, June 16, 1904. The novel delves into themes of identity, daily routines, and the complexity of human thoughts, often blending ordinary activities with deep introspection. The start of “Ulysses” introduces us to Buck Mulligan and Stephen Dedalus at a Martello tower overlooking Dublin Bay. Buck Mulligan, a lively and somewhat spirited character, gets ready for the day in a rough but humorous way, using religious references as he shaves. Stephen, on the other hand, is shown as reflective and burdened by memories of his late mother, contemplating grief and guilt while maneuvering his relationship with Mulligan. This beginning establishes the tone for the detailed examination of character dynamics and the intricate stream-of-consciousness narrative style that Joyce employs throughout the book.