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starmekitten
-= Forum Pistolera =-
United Kingdom
6370 Posts |
 Posted - 03/16/2006 : 05:38:40
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Ham on Rye is thought to be his best and most autobiographical novel and I think I would agree. Post Office, Factotum and Women follow the adventures of one Henry Chinaski through the vile shit heap that is his life. Pulp was his last novel and a strange sort of detective story. It was interesting but I think lacked edge. These are the only Bukowski novels I have read.
His poetry, and there is a lot of poetry, is almost unreal at times when you compare it to the novels. He never tried to be nice and he never tried to sugar coat anything and this turns a lot of people off. But, it's not always vile, there are occasions when there will be some touching observation of the human condition and it is so whimsical and so every day sometimes that you can't help be touched by it.
Plus, the books of poetry have possible the best titles ever. My favourites being What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire and Play the Piano Drunk Like a Percussion Instrument Until the Fingers Begin to Bleed a Bit although a close contender is You Get So Alone at Times that It Just Makes Sense. I know this is a terribly superficial thing as well, but the books themselves are nice books. Wonderfully printed that have size and style. I know you should never judge a book by its cover but there is a tactile aspect with these ones.
I no longer have any, through mishap and misfortune, my book collection is slowly being rebuilt. I remember, however, that in What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire there was a poem I liked so much I drew an angel on a post it note and stuck it to the page. I can no longer even remember what the poem is called and this makes me sad.
Anyone else rate buk? |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2006 : 08:54:25
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peace
near the corner table in the
cafe
a middle-aged couple
sit.
they have finished their
meal
and they are each drinking a
beer.
it is 9 in the evening.
she is smoking a
cigarette.
then he says something.
she nods.
then she speaks.
he grins, moves his
hand.
then they are
quiet.
through the blinds next to
their table
flashing red neon
blinks on and
off.
there is no war.
there is no hell.
then he raises his beer
bottle.
it is green.
he lifts it to his lips,
tilts it.
it is a coronet.
her right elbow is
on the table
and in her hand
she holds the
cigarette
between her thumb and
forefinger
and
as she watches
him
the streets outside
flower
in the
night.
--
Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 03/16/2006 : 08:59:51
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the aliens
you may not believe it
but there are people
who go through life with
very little
friction of distress.
they dress well, sleep well.
they are contented with
their family
life.
they are undisturbed
and often feel
very good.
and when they die
it is an easy death, usually in their
sleep.
you may not believe
it
but such people do
exist.
but i am not one of
them.
oh no, I am not one of them,
I am not even near
to being
one of
them.
but they
are there
and I am
here.
--
Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 03/17/2006 : 20:23:52
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And here I thought this was going to be about chickens!
"If you doze much longer, then life turns to dreaming. If you doze much longer, then dreams turn to nightmares." |
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offerw
* Dog in the Sand *
South Africa
1264 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2006 : 04:15:52
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I've only read Post Office and Factotum, enjoyed both.
Those poems are incredible.
I am going to get some more Bukowski now.
wilhelm |
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starmekitten
-= Forum Pistolera =-
United Kingdom
6370 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2006 : 06:03:16
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quote:
Originally posted by offerw
I've only read Post Office and Factotum, enjoyed both.
Those poems are incredible.
I am going to get some more Bukowski now.
wilhelm
And this post makes my failing thread totally worth while!
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Newo
~ Abstract Brain ~
Spain
2674 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2006 : 06:03:41
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The short story collection The Most Beautiful Woman In Town is excellent, my copy went through so many people´s hands and for so long when I lived in Dublin I was surprised to get it back.
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Gravy boat! Stay in the now! |
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Sir Rockabye
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1158 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2006 : 09:19:34
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Never read anything by the man, but I've heard nothing but praise.
A friend of mine tried to convince me to see the Matt Dillon version of Factotum (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417658/) when it came out, but I didn't have much interest.
You run all kinds of red lights except the ones on the street.
When you run out of exits you can always count sheep. |
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Carl
- A 'Fifth' Catholic -
Ireland
11546 Posts |
Posted - 03/18/2006 : 09:44:17
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"I'm on my porch 'cause I lost my house key
Pick up my book I read Bukowski"
-Red Hot Chilli Peppers, 'Mellowship Slinky In B Major'.
 pas de dutchie! |
Edited by - Carl on 03/18/2006 09:44:46 |
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danjersey
> Teenager of the Year <
USA
2792 Posts |
Posted - 03/19/2006 : 20:05:13
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i read he wrote
something about flys
and women
filth and freedom
fist fight radio
i read'em
ireadem
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