Reviews

Naked Lunch by William S. Burroughs

phantomwise's review against another edition

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1.0

Let's make a drinking game. Do a shot whenever he says protoplasm, paregoric and peristalsis, chug at the words "rotten ectoplasm" and perhaps by the end of the books you'll be drunk enough you won't roll your eyes until it hurts that Billy boy here doesn't "presume to impose 'story', 'plot', 'continuity'", the pretentious prick. What utter fuckery.

vortimer's review against another edition

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1.0

Controversial novels, and this once banned book certainly qualifies, are often not as bad when actually read, and often have something to say, such as the introduction's writer, J G Ballard, own Highrise, a difficult read that raises uncomfortable questions. This, however, while it's manic energy is undeniable, is a rambling, incoherent flow of consciousness from a deeply diseased mind, fighting it's way out of a lifetime of addiction. It's certainly is the strongest argument against drug use ive encountered.
I really, really hated it, and struggled to finish.
When I was younger, I would seek out difficult books to challenge and stretch my world view and intellect, but I think I'll stick to entertainment for a while!

hmvonk's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

ssmart213's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was very hard for me to follow or want to continue reading due to it's story structure. However I did feel like Burroughs had something to say about society and this was his way of getting it off his chest in the most messed up way he could.

kieranhardiman's review against another edition

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2.0

Really not for me, I can see why people love it so much but the lack of plot and the relentless gratuitous sexual imagery turned me off. 

spectracommunist's review against another edition

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3.0

The Island of Interzone where straight sex is forbidden.

Dr. Benway operates with a rusted can opener.

Islam Inc.

Cunt Lick County.

Dirty Limericks.

The Black Meat as addictive as junk.

Dihydro-oxy-heroin, one shot gives you a life-long addiction.

Tainted Cheese ewww

Really ambitious avant-garde attempt with a true spirit of originality and experimentation. However, it all falls apart and doesn't age well with time. Still it's a great representative of deconstructed literature.

toddie's review against another edition

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3.0

idk how to rate this book. dont read it for the plot or if youre looking for anything that makes any sense at all. its like a really long Howl.

outdoorminer's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny slow-paced
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

3.25

robfarren's review against another edition

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5.0

Read it to the kids at bedtime.