I had a similar experience with "Ulysses." Forced myself to start it, continued to read it, finished it, had about 30% comprehension. Sheesh, it was humiliating, especially because it's supposedly a great book.

[Fun fact: When I was about 12, I heard it had been on trial for obscenity. So I went down to the library, found a copy, and started looking for the dirty parts, seeking titillation. Imagine how well that worked out...]