The first question about the book raised in OP is about the story. I think this is the failing, if you read books for the story you wouldn't get James Joyce. You'll have more fun reading a Wikipedia article summarizing the book. In fact if you're looking for just the story in general, you are better off reading summaries. James Joyce's books are puzzles that the reader is supposed to unravel. If you can't unravel them then they bring the same frustration that failing a tough puzzle brings: the feeling that it is nonsensical or the creator is just flaunting over you.

There are books of different kinds, some are plot driven (like those dry Three Body Problems books), some are character driven. Then there are James Joyce's books, which are language driven. Not every book is for everyone.

Also, a review which boils down to "I didn't get it, therefore it's a waste of time" is foolish gibberish. You could have simply looked up existing reviews/analysis of the book and exposed yourself to second opinions. If you then still have disagreement, you could have found some people to discuss to, which is kind of the point of these internet forums.