The average user rating for this Book is 9.2 out of 10 (based on 25 Votes).
James Y gave it a9: A return to form after the deadly Mason & Dixon. Not as bravura (or as giddy) as the early novels, it is nonetheless full of knock-out set pieces, arcane information, laugh-out-loud humor, and masterful writing. (This guy can craft a sentence.) The only thing un-Pynchonesque about it, perhaps, is that the loose ends -- most of them, anyway -- are tied up in the end.
Becky A gave it a10: A seriously incredible book. It's the most accessible and yet the most dense of all Pynchon's works. To be read again and again.
gregory c gave it a3: The effusive reviews above confirm that the readers share a slavish devotion to Pynchon redolent of Dead Heads and their ilk. The delight is not so much in the product but membership in the cult and a smugness in being able to 'Appreciate' what the masses cannot. Let us now genuflect before Thomas' post-it notes.
T L gave it an8: Freewheeling and seemingly without coherent structure, Against The Day is nonetheless an intriguing book with flashes of exclamatory writing that leave you burning with envy. One caveat is that if you found any elements of his previous work tedious or revolting (length, unrenewed storylines, elaborate background & unusual sexualization) then you may want to avoid this offering. Very "Pynchonian" - supply your own definition, mine encapsulates what was said in the previous sentence among other things - and enthusiastically recommended. I concur with "The Darkness" a/b the word humongous as well.
othostice gave it a10: I'll admit that I am biased in Pynchon's favor, but even if I weren't, I find it difficult to take seriously any review--especially one from the NYT--that employs the non-word "humongous." What, are high school students reviewing books for "the paper of record"?
Tim gave it a5: Mediocre Pynchon. The underwhelming character development and tedious passages suggest a critical flaw: Self-indulgence.
Buddy G gave it a10: Of course its mind-blowing. True about the New Yorker review too.. The exerpt gleaned for the rating is totally misleading lacking context.
Ophelia M gave it a10: Don't be swayed by frustrated critics trying to speed-read this extensive volume in time for the holiday review page. This is really good stuff and worthy of a leisurely winter's pace. I like Clifford's reference to Melville, as it reminds me a little of The Confidence Man.
David W gave it a10: This is an outstanding book. A culmination of Pynchon's impressive body of work and personal philosophy.
Dan C gave it a10: Not Pynchon's best, but even an A- minus effort from the great master soars miles above anything else on bookshelves.
Marcos M gave it a9: Re-read the New Yorker review, it is not unfavorable, rather it is ambivalent and awe-struck.
Kibitz gave it a10: What do you expect except typical Pynchon? It's fucked up and complex, but still a treasure trove of masterful prose and brilliant, just brilliant ideas.
Clifford M gave it a10: Dante, Shakespeare, Melville, Pynchon. Let the reader beware!
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