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doughboyy's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cami19's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
raegan01's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
marlo42's review against another edition
1.0
Maybe I set myself up for this by not doing my research on Kerouac before reading-I was unaware he intended all his books as part of one whole, and maybe I’d have gotten more out of this if I didn’t read the end of the journey first.
That being said, by the end of this I hated it. Hated it. He’s aping Joyce with none of the lightness, wit, heart or control-just ugly excessive prose for the sake of prose. Additionally, I have no problem with protagonists who are terrible people but I need a reason to care or keep reading and nowhere in Big Sur will you find that; just a sad sack of a man bemoaning the mess he's made of his life. It’s a shame too, as the area this takes place in is stunning and could, I imagine, inspire great art. Sadly, this is not anywhere close to great art, and it’s especially not worth your time.
That being said, by the end of this I hated it. Hated it. He’s aping Joyce with none of the lightness, wit, heart or control-just ugly excessive prose for the sake of prose. Additionally, I have no problem with protagonists who are terrible people but I need a reason to care or keep reading and nowhere in Big Sur will you find that; just a sad sack of a man bemoaning the mess he's made of his life. It’s a shame too, as the area this takes place in is stunning and could, I imagine, inspire great art. Sadly, this is not anywhere close to great art, and it’s especially not worth your time.
stephdo's review against another edition
5.0
I hadn't read any Kerouac since reading On The Road about a decade ago, so re-acclimating to Kerouac's style was my initial challenge, and Big Sur is particularly free-flowing and frenzied.
I mostly appreciate Big Sur for Kerouac's raw honesty - it serves as a long letter to everyone he felt he needed to apologize to, after a roiling bout of alcohol-induced delirium. Prevailing theme of substance abuse aside, I think anyone with a certain degree of social anxiety or introversion will find Big Sur relatable. The next time I don't feel like taking friends on a trip with me, I'll just throw this book in their face.
I mostly appreciate Big Sur for Kerouac's raw honesty - it serves as a long letter to everyone he felt he needed to apologize to, after a roiling bout of alcohol-induced delirium. Prevailing theme of substance abuse aside, I think anyone with a certain degree of social anxiety or introversion will find Big Sur relatable. The next time I don't feel like taking friends on a trip with me, I'll just throw this book in their face.
blueyorkie's review
5.0
I missed his novel "On the road" a few years ago, perhaps because I was expecting something else. I did not fully understand this madness; their philosophy was to live the moment by burning the wings but devouring everything until self-destruction. But, of course, the ardor of youth does not make people realize that excess is dangerous—quite the contrary.
And in Big Sur, Kerouac realizes he has already gone too far in this dissolute life. And the worst thing is that ultimately, success and this beatnik madness will be a curse he cannot manage because it sinks more profoundly and more than ever; he is prey to his old demons.
He is surrounded but ultimately alone, profoundly alone.
It is a moving book. The reader is powerless and finally witnesses real perdition.
And in Big Sur, Kerouac realizes he has already gone too far in this dissolute life. And the worst thing is that ultimately, success and this beatnik madness will be a curse he cannot manage because it sinks more profoundly and more than ever; he is prey to his old demons.
He is surrounded but ultimately alone, profoundly alone.
It is a moving book. The reader is powerless and finally witnesses real perdition.
lolgappa's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75