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Ulysses by James Joyce
There’s a certain mystique to James Joyce’s “Ulysses”—just mentioning you own a copy is enough to impress at dinner parties. Yet, the reality is that most people who pick up this modernist masterpiece never reach the final page. The book is infamous for its dense, stream-of-consciousness prose and a labyrinth of allusions, which can turn even the most devoted readers into quitters. According to Goodreads, only about 30% of those who start “Ulysses” actually finish it. The novel’s narrative, which takes place over a single day in Dublin, is so packed with symbolism and shifting perspectives that many readers find themselves lost in the maze. The challenge is so great that some book clubs have formed solely to help members survive the experience. As one reader put it, “I felt like I needed a PhD just to understand one chapter.” The daunting reputation of “Ulysses” keeps it on many shelves—pristine, uncracked, and quietly intimidating.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
“Moby-Dick” is the whale of American literature, but not just because of its size. While its opening lines are iconic, what follows is a marathon of exhaustive whaling details and philosophical asides. The narrative frequently veers into technical digressions about harpoons, cetology, and life aboard a 19th-century whaling vessel, leaving many readers adrift. In a 2019 survey, nearly half of those who picked up the book admitted they never finished it, blaming slow pacing and relentless detail. Even among literary scholars, “getting through Moby-Dick” is a rite of passage. The novel’s relentless intensity and encyclopedic approach make it more an endurance test than a pleasure cruise for most modern readers. Still, the story of Captain Ahab’s obsession continues to haunt—and daunt—generations.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” stands as a towering pillar of world literature, but its length is legendary for intimidating potential readers. Weighing in at over 1,000 pages and containing more than 500 named characters, the novel’s scope is vast. Book Riot reports that about 60% of those who start “War and Peace” never see it through to the end. The story itself blends sweeping historical narrative with deep philosophical exploration, but the sheer scale often leaves readers exhausted. Many confess to losing track of characters or skipping entire sections just to keep up. For some, the book is a badge of honor to display on the shelf, even if the bookmark never moves past the halfway point. The novel’s reputation as the Everest of fiction ensures it is both revered and rarely completed.
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
“David Foster Wallace’s “Infinite Jest” is the ultimate intellectual conversation starter, but finishing it is a different story. The book is over 1,000 pages long and comes with hundreds of footnotes, many of which have footnotes of their own. According to the New York Times, about 40% of readers abandon the book midway, overwhelmed by its complexity and sprawling narrative. Many start off enthusiastic, only to be derailed by the book’s non-linear structure and shifting timelines. The novel’s themes of addiction, entertainment, and modern malaise are powerful, but getting to the end requires determination and, for some, a reading guide. Readers often joke that finishing “Infinite Jest” is an accomplishment on par with running a marathon. The book’s cult following persists, but so does its reputation as one of the most unfinished novels of our era.
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Fyodor Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov” is celebrated for its philosophical depth, but its slow pace and psychological complexity deter many. Lit Hub found that around 50% of readers don’t make it to the last page. The novel explores weighty themes like morality, free will, and the existence of God, often through lengthy dialogues and introspective monologues. While some readers are captivated by the intellectual drama, others find themselves bogged down by the deliberate pacing and heavy subject matter. For those unfamiliar with Russian literature, the cultural and historical context presents another barrier. The book’s brilliance is undeniable, but it requires patience and perseverance that many casual readers simply don’t possess.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Victor Hugo’s “Les Misérables” is renowned for its sweeping story, but its reputation for lengthy digressions is almost as legendary. The infamous 50-page exploration of the Paris sewer system is just one example of Hugo’s penchant for sidetracks. A Penguin Random House survey reports that about 45% of readers abandon the novel, overwhelmed by its 1,400+ pages and intricate historical detail. While the story of Jean Valjean’s redemption is moving, many find themselves skipping chapters or consulting abridged versions. The novel’s structure, with its frequent diversions, challenges modern readers accustomed to faster-paced storytelling. Despite its powerful message of justice and mercy, “Les Misérables” remains a daunting mountain for many to climb.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” is as polarizing as it is lengthy. Clocking in at nearly 1,200 pages, the novel’s marathon length is matched by its dense philosophical monologues and intricate plot. Goodreads data shows that only about 35% of readers actually finish the book, with many citing fatigue and frustration with Rand’s didactic style. The novel explores themes of individualism, capitalism, and the role of government, often through long speeches that test readers’ endurance. While it has inspired passionate devotion among some, just as many find themselves abandoning the journey midway. “Atlas Shrugged” is a book people love to reference, but far fewer can say they’ve turned the final page.
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
For fans of “The Lord of the Rings,” diving into “The Silmarillion” can feel like stepping into a literary labyrinth. The book is a deep dive into Tolkien’s vast mythology, chronicling the creation and early history of Middle-earth. According to a study by Tor Books, about 55% of readers never finish it, daunted by the dense narrative and lack of a traditional plot. The text reads more like an ancient chronicle than a novel, with complex names and genealogies that can overwhelm even the most devoted Tolkien fans. Many admit to keeping “The Silmarillion” on their shelves as a badge of fandom, but few return to its pages after the initial attempt. The book’s epic scope and intricate details make it a challenge to complete.
Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
Thomas Pynchon’s “Gravity’s Rainbow” has a reputation for being one of the most complex novels ever written. Its experimental narrative, shifting perspectives, and dense prose have left many readers bewildered. The Atlantic reports that nearly 60% of people who start the book never finish it, citing confusion and fatigue as major reasons. The novel’s exploration of paranoia, technology, and postwar Europe is layered with references and inside jokes that can be alienating. Even seasoned literary critics admit to struggling with the book’s structure. For many, “Gravity’s Rainbow” remains an unfinished puzzle, admired from afar but rarely conquered.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
William Faulkner’s “The Sound and the Fury” is both celebrated and dreaded for its innovative use of stream-of-consciousness and nonlinear narrative. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, some of which are intentionally disorienting. A Modern Language Association study found that about half of readers abandon the novel, overwhelmed by its challenging style. The book demands close attention and often rewards rereading, but its initial complexity is enough to turn many away. Readers often describe the experience as “trying to read a dream.” The novel’s emotional power is undeniable, but getting there requires patience and persistence.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
While not a novel, Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time” is a classic on many bookshelves, frequently purchased and rarely finished. The book attempts to explain complex physics concepts in layman’s terms, but even so, 70% of readers reportedly never finish, according to the BBC. The text delves into black holes, quantum mechanics, and the nature of the universe, topics that can leave the average reader’s head spinning. Despite Hawking’s efforts to make science accessible, his ideas challenge even dedicated readers. Many keep the book as a symbol of intellectual aspiration, but few can claim to have understood it from cover to cover.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Dostoevsky’s “Crime and Punishment” is a staple in high school and college curricula, but its psychological intensity and moral complexity lead many to give up midway. The National Council of Teachers of English found that nearly 40% of assigned students don’t finish the novel. The story’s focus on guilt, redemption, and the human psyche requires emotional investment and close reading. Some are captivated by the depth, while others find the atmosphere oppressive. The novel’s reputation for being “dark and difficult” keeps it on reading lists, but many bookmarks never progress much past the halfway mark.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
“Don Quixote” is widely cited as one of the greatest novels ever written, but its old-fashioned prose and episodic structure present real challenges. The University of California reports that about 45% of readers abandon the novel, often overwhelmed by its length and style. The book’s humor and insight are timeless, but the repetitive adventures and archaic language can wear down modern readers. Many start with enthusiasm, only to lose momentum as the story meanders. Despite its status as a foundational work, “Don Quixote” is more often started than completed.
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” opens with one of the most famous lines in literature, but for many readers, that’s where the excitement ends. The British Library found that nearly half of readers never finish the book, put off by its 19th-century prose and slow pacing. The novel’s themes of sacrifice and resurrection are powerful, but Dickens’ elaborate sentences and descriptive passages can feel overwhelming. Some readers admit to skimming sections or turning to film adaptations instead. Even so, the book’s reputation ensures it remains a fixture on reading lists everywhere.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
“The Count of Monte Cristo” is a thrilling story of revenge and redemption, but its full, unabridged version can seem endless. Penguin Classics reports that around 40% of readers don’t reach the end, daunted by the book’s length and intricate plotlines. The novel is filled with twists and turns, but the sheer number of characters and subplots can be hard to follow. Many opt for abridged versions or give up altogether, content to watch the movie adaptations. For those who persevere, the payoff is immense, but many simply run out of steam.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Emily Brontë’s “Wuthering Heights” inspires passionate reactions—love or hate, rarely anything in between. The University of Leeds found that about half of readers never finish the book, citing its bleak atmosphere and morally ambiguous characters. The novel’s emotional intensity and dark themes challenge readers looking for a lighter experience. Some find the story’s obsession and cruelty fascinating, while others are put off by the unrelenting misery. Regardless, the book’s place in the literary canon is secure, even if many copies sit unfinished.
Middlemarch by George Eliot
“Middlemarch” is often praised as one of the most insightful novels ever written, but its slow build and detailed social commentary can test readers’ patience. According to The New Yorker, about 55% of those who start the novel never finish it, finding the pace too sluggish or the cast of characters too sprawling. The book’s nuanced exploration of relationships and society is lauded by critics, but many ordinary readers lose momentum. Some describe the experience as “wading through molasses.” Despite its reputation, “Middlemarch” is more often admired than actually completed.
The Iliad by Homer
Homer’s “The Iliad” is one of the oldest works in Western literature, but its repetitive structure and ancient context can be tough for modern audiences. The American Academy of Arts and Letters reports that about 60% of readers fail to finish, hindered by archaic language and a narrative style that feels remote. The epic’s poetic repetitions and lists of warriors can be hypnotic or tedious, depending on the reader. While its influence is undeniable, many find themselves setting it aside and turning to more accessible retellings or adaptations. For those who do finish, the sense of accomplishment is as epic as the story itself.
Christian Wiedeck, all the way from Germany, loves music festivals, especially in the USA. His articles bring the excitement of these events to readers worldwide.
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