A PORTRAIT OF THE ARTIST AS AN YOUNG MAN by JAMES JOYCE

"You made me confess the fears that I have. But I will tell you also what I do not fear. I do not fear to be alone or to be spurned for another or to leave whatever I have to leave. And I am not afraid to make a mistake, even a great mistake, a lifelong mistake and perhaps as long as eternity too."

PR: 8.8/10

This novel or story can be taken as a semi-autobiography of James Joyce, the author himself. The story is about a character, young and unsure, Stephan Dedalus, a 16-years old chap, who is kind of also Joyce's alter-ego.

The story revolves around certain topics that teenagers of the particular age go through, for example, Lust, Religion, Family, Love, Nationalism, Politics, History, Literature and the critic.

Stephan passes through numerous and confusing stages which makes him both believe and disbelieve in certain stuff. As we proceed through the story, we slowly see a change in Dedalus, an inclination towards religion and faith.

From the hardships of school and the bullies to his ravaging father, Stephan, a teen mentally crumbling confesses his sin to the Priest which brings his soul into salvation.

This story, holds a personal place in my heart since it was way too relatable with my own life. The conflicts that goes around within his mind and soul, are pretty same and understandable.

Its a story, I would suggest every individual must read and I'm definitely sure everyone will find the similarities.

If someone wants to read Ulysses by James Joyce, I advice to read this novel first since the character Stephan Dedalus's, who is also a protagonist in Ulysses, life is well explained in this piece of work.

Thank you for Reading.