Mervyn Peake: Gormenghast

[Deerskin]

I have started reading Titus Groan after years of meaning to and am finding it.. unusual. Reading the introduction to the text (written by Anthony Burgess) I was interested in it's apparant status as a classic of literature, though often overlooked. I'd love to get other opinions on this - it's certainly different!
Please use spoiler boxes if you are going to give anything away, I am only just over half way through the first book! Thanks!

 

[Ben Holiday]

It's a great book though a lot of people don't seem to like the style for some reason. I think it's one of those that most people just have to read through a time or two before they really enjoy it. Definitely one of the early fantasy classics though at least in my opinion.

 

[Deerskin]

Definitely one of the early fantasy classics though at least in my opinion.

Is it classed as fantasy? I have not quite finished the first book but I have so far come across nothing which I would normally classify as 'fantasy'. Despite this I was undecided whether to post this thread here or in the Fantasy section.

 

[Pilgrim]

I loved Gormenghast despite getting stalled halfway through 'Titus Groan' first time round. When I tried a second time I couldn't put it down.

I know that Gormenghast is based on ancient Chinese court life but is a creation of a seperate world which for me makes it fantasy (but without all the sub-Tolkienesque swords-and-sorcery rubbish that floods the market nowadays).

The first two books are superb. Beware the third in the trilogy as it felt a bit tacked on to the end, as if it were written for contractual reasons rather than having anything new to add.

I have to agree that the book feels 'unusual' (to use your expression Deerskin) to begin with. I wouldn't say it was a difficult style and once I was used to it, it felt like the only way it could have been written.