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A review by uvih_
Ham on Rye by Charles Bukowski
4.0
I don't know what I was expecting from a Bukowski novel, really! Angry and violent, you don't like Chinaski at any point and Bukowski never even gives you a reason to - this takes balls, I expected some sympathising sentimentality but Bukowski never even hinted at it. Chinaski/Bukowski is an asshole (like Brock sang). I did enjoy Bukowski's subtle self-reference at the end when he stated that the letter B needed help. Very smooth, Charles...
I was taken aback by the boys' sexual obsession - I have never been a preteen boy, of course, and was shocked by their crude obsessions. I wonder how accurate it is. It was hard to keep in mind this story was taking place in the 30s, too, because it felt much more modern than that (the dispossessed youth, a much more 70s/80s concept). I ought to read the other Chinaski books now - I mean, we didn't even get to the sex yet, did we?
Disturbing, funny, sad. Also very clearly extremely thought-provoking, so I'm boosting this up a star to four.
Unapologetic. That was quite refreshing.
I was taken aback by the boys' sexual obsession - I have never been a preteen boy, of course, and was shocked by their crude obsessions. I wonder how accurate it is. It was hard to keep in mind this story was taking place in the 30s, too, because it felt much more modern than that (the dispossessed youth, a much more 70s/80s concept). I ought to read the other Chinaski books now - I mean, we didn't even get to the sex yet, did we?
Disturbing, funny, sad. Also very clearly extremely thought-provoking, so I'm boosting this up a star to four.
Unapologetic. That was quite refreshing.