The Finnegans Wake Reading Group of Austin, TX, led by Peter Quadrino, tackles the dense and enigmatic work of James Joyce’s “Finnegans Wake.” The group meets every other week over Zoom, reading just one page at a time and delving into the complexities of the text. Despite the challenging nature of the book, the group is dedicated to the journey of understanding rather than reaching the end.
The group’s meetings begin with socializing for 15 minutes before diving into the week’s page. Each member takes turns reading two lines until the page is completed, followed by an hour and a half of research, annotation, and discussion. While some may find “Finnegans Wake” completely incomprehensible, it has attracted literary enthusiasts worldwide, with groups in cities like Houston, New York, and Dublin dedicated to unraveling its mysteries.
Peter Quadrino, a Joyce scholar and the group’s organizer, has traveled to Ireland as part of his dedication to studying Joyce’s work. The group’s slow progress through the book reflects their focus on the process rather than the end goal. Quadrino expresses a reluctance to finish the book, as it would mean the end of their reading journey. Instead, they plan to circle back to the beginning and continue exploring the intricacies of “Finnegans Wake.”
