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rhona123's review
I've never hated a book more. The stories were vile and poorly written, there was no depth to any character/plot/situation they were just all cheap shots for shock value. Rape fantasies and misogynistic
Also never known an author to self insert more. Egotistical misogynistic prick
Also never known an author to self insert more. Egotistical misogynistic prick
words_shewrote's review
2.0
Even though Bukowski is known for being one of the greatest writers of our Era, this was my first experience with him and I did not like it at all. I think most of the tales (this is a book of tales) are misogenous, sexist and with no meaning at all. You can see the influence of Hemingway with the short phrases and of Dostoievski, in the pessimism. I recognize how well the tales are written, but the lack os respect for women, the massive use of cursing words (all the cursing you can imagine), make me not like these tales at all. Dont be fooled: I knew what I was getting in to: Bukowski is well known for being a representative of the outcasts. But I thought that would bring some meaning to the tales: but it didn't.
Maybe I will read another non-tale book from the author in the future, but right now - and at least for me - this is not my thing.
Maybe I will read another non-tale book from the author in the future, but right now - and at least for me - this is not my thing.
h_motionless's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
louiseabdalla's review against another edition
Terrible writing... The only thing this man can write about apparently is r*pe... Literally (almost) every fucking chapter has a mention of it in it... Never reading anything by him ever again...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
atypicalr's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
moonlight_4_3's review
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
literatetexan's review
2.0
Most of these stories aren't stories at all. Many of them are anecdotes with no point. Some are essays. A few are long prose poems. I've admired some of Bukowski's work, but not this volume. It reads as if he wants to be Hemingway but more shocking. I did like a few of the stories, though -- "The Blanket" was good. I thought "Animal Crackers in My Soup" came closest to being a real story, but the ending was lazy and lame. But most of the book is dreary and forgettable, even though Bukowski's way with words is obvious. Also, it is funny in parts.
wolfy514's review
3.0
It reads like rubbish. And I mean that in a strangely, near literal way; each story is the bizarre finding one would expect to unexpectedly find in a communal garbage bin. Some are visceral and off putting, something you don't want to look at too closely or touch, while others are delicately fascinating in their mix of high and low culture. The bloody t shirt smeared with fluid next to the expensive wine bottle wrapped in a brown grease stained paper bag.
I don't know whether I enjoyed reading this book or not.
I don't know whether I enjoyed reading this book or not.
michelledanae's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5