A review by kegifford
Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller

adventurous challenging dark funny lighthearted slow-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

2.0

This book has great literary historical significance, but as a reading experience I found it disappointing. Whatever lyricism there is to be found in Miller’s prose, for me it can’t overcome the one dimensionality of its main character. Drinking and having a lot of enthusiastic sex with irritated and distracted sex workers just doesn’t have that much edginess in the 21st century. Also, I understand that Miller’s relationship with Jewish people is complex, but it was quite hard to read the offhand antisemitic comments that pop up throughout the book. 
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