Deep Reads: The Melancholy of Resistance, László Krasznahorkai (meeting 1 of 2)

Over a two-month period we will read The Melancholy of Resistance by 2025 Nobel Prize winner, László Krasznahorkai of Hungary. You can find a copy of the book here. (If you buy any of the versions after clicking on my link, I will get a few pennies to help support the cost of the meetup.)
This month we will read to the paragraph break at about page 140. (there will not be many breaks!)
In announcing the award, the Swedish Academy noted Krasznahorkai’s "compelling and visionary oeuvre that, in the midst of apocalyptic terror, reaffirms the power of art". Heavily influenced by Kafka, Krasznahorkai is known for sprawling, philosophical novels that often feature long, flowing sentences (i.e., 15 page-long sentences) and explore themes of social decay and existential dread. HOLD ON TIGHT!
**Bonus: Krasznahorkai worked with the acclaimed filmmaker Bela Tarr to turn the book into the 2000 film Werckmeister Harmonies. (available on YouTube, Criterion Channel and other platforms) In January we will decide whether to include the film in our February discussion, or whether to plan a separate time to discuss the film.

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Note! Meetup recently doubled the cost of the meetup to about $352/year ($176 twice a year) Want to help support the group? A few of you generously offered. If you would like to contribute $5, $10, $20 or any amount, the easiest way is venmo: @JohnSeanDoyle or just reach out to me directly. Thanks for considering it!