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A review by tasteofcherrry
Queer by William S. Burroughs
1.0
I found almost no appealing or touching parts in this one. I didn’t like the style of prose or the way it uses character perspectives. I didn’t like the lackluster story arc, or any of the underdeveloped characters. Half of this very short book is just people monologuing about random stuff. Upon some research I realize this was a beatnik-esque stylistic choice, however it wasn’t for me. I’ve read modernist works that use stream of consciousness and fluid narration from the late 1800’s, with similar levels of racism, that were heaps more interesting to read.
Lee’s subconscious desire and search for love, connection and understanding is pretty universal– so that was cool I guess. The tragedy of him looking for them in drug-ridden avenues and in relationship dynamics that are inhospitable to true affection. But I never felt like this aspect was what the book focused on, and I couldn’t find it in me to care much.
On top of all of this, this entire novel (that’s set in South America) is written through a vile, nauseating colonial lens. The way non-white people are described and referred to were disgusting. Plus, Lee is literally a pedophile. This isn’t explored in a Nobokov style; we learn this in a throwaway scene. None of these are really related to Lee’s ‘loneliness’ or the effects of his addiction.
I decided to read this before watching the 2024 Luca Guadagnino adaptation, so now I’m quite nervous. I hope he was able to give more depth and nuance to the story and actually have something more substantial to say.
Lee’s subconscious desire and search for love, connection and understanding is pretty universal– so that was cool I guess. The tragedy of him looking for them in drug-ridden avenues and in relationship dynamics that are inhospitable to true affection. But I never felt like this aspect was what the book focused on, and I couldn’t find it in me to care much.
On top of all of this, this entire novel (that’s set in South America) is written through a vile, nauseating colonial lens. The way non-white people are described and referred to were disgusting. Plus, Lee is literally a pedophile. This isn’t explored in a Nobokov style; we learn this in a throwaway scene. None of these are really related to Lee’s ‘loneliness’ or the effects of his addiction.
I decided to read this before watching the 2024 Luca Guadagnino adaptation, so now I’m quite nervous. I hope he was able to give more depth and nuance to the story and actually have something more substantial to say.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, and Racism