Women: A Novel by Charles Bukowski Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Women: A Novel
Book Review: His Best
Summary: 4 Stars
Of all the books I've read by Charles Bukowski, "Women" has been the one I think about and remember best. "Post Office" is an entertaining read, but it is quite sloppy. "Ham on Rye" is usually heralded as the best of the novels Buk wrote, but it seems to be a novel that only people who know a thing or two about Bukowski should read, to get the most out of what it offers.
"Women" is not only a very amusing novel, and it is very funny when it is funny, but the content gives readers much to debate. For example, this may not be a bad novel to study in a university English class to raise the discussion of whether the content of this novel is pornography (reducing people but more specifically women to nothing but objects) or if there is true feeling, passion, and love going on here. There are many interesting happenings and musings in the novel that conflict on this topic.
I very much enjoyed this novel and I do believe it is Bukowski's best novel, and I urge you to give it a read. It takes no time to read, and he never bored me once. Enjoy.
Book Review: In his dreams.
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm not sure what to make of this book. It seems like one of those authors that's supposed to make you look "cool" if you read him.
I think I like it simply because it's really really easy to read... but the content was a little much most of the time. I mean, this guy goes around screwing all these different types of women in all these different types of situations and continues to do it while seemingly hooked up to an alcohol IV.
It's pretty unrealistic and quite sad... the book did seem to have somewhat of an arc where my interest started to pique with a certain relationship where "Henry" becomes somewhat more of a human being as opposed to a sex crazed drinking machine. But then he lost me towards the end and the buildup to the "resolution" was rushed and thoughtless. It seems as if he wrote without editing it, desperately searching for this tragic tale to end positively.
That being said, it was an easy read and pretty intriguing at times, despite the pulp subject matter. Some parts were rather funny, some parts were boring. I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 3 simply because I think I'll read another one of his novels... give the guy a chance.
Book Review: Keep it greasy so it'll go in easy
Summary: 5 Stars
Women is a autobiographical novel about Chamanski's (Bukowski's alter ego) life of excess (mostly with alcohol and sex) all the while he is giving performances as a beatnik writer. With a true rock star mentality, Chimanski has women falling all over him and his necessity to basically enjoy the wide variety of women around him inhibits his ability to ever truly love. Although chauvanistic and mysoginistic, his humanity never is completely veiled (all though it is definitely obscured) by his actions. Erotic to some, inappropriate to many, raw to everyone, this book deserves more attention that it gets. His prose is at the same time evocative and beautiful. No matter how much one dislikes the subjects, there is no doubt that his prose is special.Book Review: Not a fan
Summary: 1 Stars
My husband is a great fan of Bukowski, but after reading the book women, I have wondered at his sanity (the husband's). I read this book, all set to be amazed at the genius at work. I was soo disappointed. It is the same story over and over. Old man poet meets young stupid girl, they drink, they have sex, then fight and break up. Boring!Go to the track, drink, have sex, etc. You get my meaning. I was NOT impressed. Won't be reading any more of the "works" of the great Bukowski.Book Review: Poetry
Summary: 4 Stars
Read Bukowski's poetry before spending time reading one of his 300 page novels. I rated this at a 4 because Bukowski's poetry is infinitely better than his novels. That being said if you rated this less than 4 stars, you are probably a man-hating feminist.
To say that this novel is "real" or "honest" is to miss the point.
This should not be the first Bukowski you read. Far too abstract.
If you are used to reading straight-foward books that you don't have to think about when you read, do not read this book, you are far too stupid to handle the subject matter. May God have mercy on your soul, you embarrassment to humanity.
This is Art. Deal with it.