Is Pynchon worth going into comoletely blind?

I know hardly a spec about him, or his novels. I have heard of three of them several several times over the many years I've been alive, and never looked into them. All I know is that they are classics of pomo (maybe metafiction) and very long… Would it benefit me (should I read him) to know a little bit about the novel and/or his life? Or is going blind perfectly doable?

Also where should I start? V. is probs the best for me considering it's length and reputation.