If you want to experience Jack Kerouac fully, you must read his work aloud. My friend, Richard Marsh, and I just read
Visions of Gerard aloud cover-to-cover - taking turns - over the last couple of days (he is visiting from Massachusetts). We agreed that we got more out of it than from any previous (silent, individual) readings (Richard has read
VOG dozens of times).
If you can, try reading Kerouac aloud. It's fine to do it solo, but it's more fun with a friend. If you have such a friend to read aloud with, count your blessings. I do. Thanks, Richard!
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| Richard Marsh (L) and Rick Dale (R) reading Visions of Gerard aloud |
It was indeed a great read Rick, and I look forward to doing it again.
ReplyDeleteKerouac's novels are so complex that it is wonderful to realize new motifs and themes when read and perceived from a different angle, as well as to hear previously unheard rhythms and cadences that seem to flow naturally when read aloud.
It's like Kerouac through a prism.
Richard Marsh