ManBookering discussion

A discussion thread for David Grossman's A Horse Walks Into a Bar.

The title has intrigued me from the first time I heard about it. I just picked it from my library so hoping to make a start on it this weekend.

When I see a newly translated novel at my local library I usually check it out, whether I have heard of it or not. But when I saw the title of this one I passed it over, since I seriously dislike most jokes, puns and many comedians' routines. Well, I did pick it up and read the blurb saying that it was about an aging standup comedian, which turned me off further. Imagine my surprise when it came up on the MBI longlist this week! I rushed back to the library to retrieve it only to find it unavailable and with a long waiting list. Luckily, it is one of the few Long listees that is available on Kindle so I clicked that "purchase" button and read it in one fell swoop last night....WOW!

First, I have to say that one doesn't have to enjoy comedy routines to like this book. Many of Dov's. (The comedian)jokes are patronizing, inappropriate and just plain mean, but what fun to wince, groan and boo along with the audience, which I actually felt a part of. This interest was due to the use of a complex first-person narrator, a member of the audience who has a mysterious relationship to Dov , more of which we will learn later. Without giving any spoilers away, I will say that the entire action of the novel takes place within the 2 hour span of the comic routine, which takes place in what seems to be a rather rundown nightclub.

Having only the one narrator, Grossman is able to formulate a complex and multi-stranded plot. We are able to simultaneously listen to the comedian, view the audience's reaction, and read the thoughts and history of both the narrator sitting in the audience and the man on the stage. IT IS QUITE A SHOW, and you will be able to see from the start why I couldn't quit reading this and will be thinking about it for some time!

I agree with you Peg. This would have been a book I would have looked at and put down. I'm so glad that I read it. I can certainly see how it might be too dark and vulgar for some people, but I thought once you brushed aside some of the bad jokes it was a fascinating book.

Though at times awkward or vulgar, this book was surprisingly touching. I certainly didn't expect going in to give it 5 stars but here we are...

Interesting interview with the translator - including the issues she had with the very first line:

http://www.asymptotejournal.com/blog/...

Very impressed with his. I had previously read his To The End of the Land which was perhaps a little too sentimental for my taste, albeit ultimately very emotionally powerful. I think the cynicism in this one appeals more to my taste, even if the emotional wrench is ultimately equally powerful.

I hated this book. . .obviously I didn't get it.

I read this a while ago and have just noticed I haven't commented here. I really liked it and I have just upgraded my rating to the full 5 stars - there are two books on the long list that I have given 5 stars to.