James Joyces is an incredibly intimidating author, and for good reason. His novels are large, extraordinarily difficult, and considered to be among the greatest fiction ever written, so if you don't "get it," then you must be intellectually inferior. I will readily admit that I have not started the long, slow slog through his novels, although I fully intend to one day. I did, however, make time to read his short story collection Dubliners and I'm incredibly glad I did because it remains one of my absolute favorite books to this day, and I would highly recommend it as an introduction to his writing.

Probably the most important thing to note about Dubliners is that it lacks Joyce's later characteristic prose style, thus making it infinitely easier to read and understand. The narratives are relatively linear and each story feels so stripped down and bare, making its emotional impact that much stronger. It makes for a relatively quick, easy read, but a profoundly beautiful and compelling one.

The Bookhive List is a weekly recommendation of my all-time favorite, must-read books.