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A review by livist
Post Office by Charles Bukowski
3.0
This was…okay.
I think Bukowski’s writing style is direct and accessible. A dash of absurdist in there. If it weren’t for the writing style I would have abandoned this book.
I tried to find the purpose of this book; it’s more of a slice of life kind of deal. It feels as aimless as the main character at times. It seemed like too much of a good thing can turn bad. The consistency of stable work is hard to cope with as it doesn’t allow for much outside of work, which is depressing. A clever little ending though.
Our tragic hero often succumbs to his self destructive tendencies and alcoholism. He seems to so blasé about everything really. I think it’s one of those books where you’re not really supposed to be fond of the main character but empathize with him generally enough. While not annoying per se, but aggravating, I didn’t feel super attached to him. He has a strong work ethic, which is the main thing that keeps him afloat and his best redeeming quality. Definitely some satire/commentary on capitalism and drudgery of life as a consequence of capitalism mixed into the book, especially at the end.
My biggest gripe is the objectification of women. Literally every woman described by her breasts or ass. Apparently this dude is so sexually appealing, he often has a sexual rendezvous when he wants to.
I think generally I enjoyed it, but wouldn’t say I would recommend it to anyone. There are some redeeming qualities, again the writing style was direct in the best way.
I think Bukowski’s writing style is direct and accessible. A dash of absurdist in there. If it weren’t for the writing style I would have abandoned this book.
I tried to find the purpose of this book; it’s more of a slice of life kind of deal. It feels as aimless as the main character at times. It seemed like too much of a good thing can turn bad. The consistency of stable work is hard to cope with as it doesn’t allow for much outside of work, which is depressing. A clever little ending though.
Our tragic hero often succumbs to his self destructive tendencies and alcoholism. He seems to so blasé about everything really. I think it’s one of those books where you’re not really supposed to be fond of the main character but empathize with him generally enough. While not annoying per se, but aggravating, I didn’t feel super attached to him. He has a strong work ethic, which is the main thing that keeps him afloat and his best redeeming quality. Definitely some satire/commentary on capitalism and drudgery of life as a consequence of capitalism mixed into the book, especially at the end.
My biggest gripe is the objectification of women. Literally every woman described by her breasts or ass. Apparently this dude is so sexually appealing, he often has a sexual rendezvous when he wants to.
I think generally I enjoyed it, but wouldn’t say I would recommend it to anyone. There are some redeeming qualities, again the writing style was direct in the best way.