Interesting list... some things I've never heard of, too. A second instalment would be fun (I'm almost tempted to do my own list. But no). I'll overlook the dissing of Ulysses in this space; I must admit I'd been trying to read it for approximately eight years before I actually got 'over the hump' last year. But when I did, there was an Epiphany, which I promise will come (go to that exhibit in the National Library of Ireland, for a start). Anyway, you have of course read Portrait of the Artist, yes? Just checking.
*Ponders*... you're surely already familiar with a lot of the other stuff I'd add. But, amidst so much British humour, I see no P.G. Wodehouse? Or Evelyn Waugh (besides his satires of English society, The Loved One is a delightful precursor of Six Feet Under written by an English snob). Barbara Pym's novels are more subtle social satires, so they're generally underrated. Not as good as Lucky Jim, but still scoring some points for academic satire, are the books of David Lodge and Malcolm Bradbury (esp. Changing Places and The History Man, to take one of each). But in your situation, you'll want to read The Ginger Man by J. P. Dunleavy -- check it out and you'll see why! Louis de Bernieres is also fun to read. And on a much more serious note, Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, if you want more WWI fic (Pat Barker is thoroughly seconded, by the way).
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*Ponders*... you're surely already familiar with a lot of the other stuff I'd add. But, amidst so much British humour, I see no P.G. Wodehouse? Or Evelyn Waugh (besides his satires of English society, The Loved One is a delightful precursor of Six Feet Under written by an English snob). Barbara Pym's novels are more subtle social satires, so they're generally underrated. Not as good as Lucky Jim, but still scoring some points for academic satire, are the books of David Lodge and Malcolm Bradbury (esp. Changing Places and The History Man, to take one of each). But in your situation, you'll want to read The Ginger Man by J. P. Dunleavy -- check it out and you'll see why! Louis de Bernieres is also fun to read. And on a much more serious note, Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks, if you want more WWI fic (Pat Barker is thoroughly seconded, by the way).