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ennitsud's review against another edition
4.0
i’m not really sure how to critique poetry but since several of the poems made me feel (mostly depressed and a lil cringey and i laughed at several) imma say this is pretty good
librator's review against another edition
2.0
I basically rate poetry according to two criteria - first, whether it displays technical skill or a demonstrably impressive use of the language, and second, whether it evokes emotions or resonates with me somehow. I'm afraid that perhaps Mr. Bukowski simply isn't for me.
I admire him, certainly, for his two-fisted subject matter, and there are flashes of poetry that work for me, but they are few and far between. This collection, compiled after his death from notes, feels extremely defensive and self-justifying, and his wordsmithing is either dry and factual or else nonsensical without evoking anything.
Your mileage may vary, of course. It's not bad, by any sense, but a two-star "OK" is about as much enthusiasm as I can drum up for it.
I admire him, certainly, for his two-fisted subject matter, and there are flashes of poetry that work for me, but they are few and far between. This collection, compiled after his death from notes, feels extremely defensive and self-justifying, and his wordsmithing is either dry and factual or else nonsensical without evoking anything.
Your mileage may vary, of course. It's not bad, by any sense, but a two-star "OK" is about as much enthusiasm as I can drum up for it.
emmi_lee's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
paulwesterberg's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
to everyone who said bukowski’s poetry was way better than his prose— you were right. peace and love
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
chroniqled's review against another edition
5.0
My favourite poem from this collection:
my song
ample
consternation,
plentiful
pain
restless days
and
sleepless
nights
always fighting
with all your
heart and soul
so as not
to fail at
living.
who could ask
for anything
more?
Man, that was great. Bukowski never fails to deliver.
my song
ample
consternation,
plentiful
pain
restless days
and
sleepless
nights
always fighting
with all your
heart and soul
so as not
to fail at
living.
who could ask
for anything
more?
Man, that was great. Bukowski never fails to deliver.
pol_sci_moth's review against another edition
4.0
First time reading Bukowski. Really related to some of his poem where he talked about old age...though at the age of 21, that's probably not a good thing.
plathheart84's review against another edition
5.0
Another bukowski book of poetry down & I just cannot tell you how much I love this mans words. This is his later poetry and a lot of it is reflective, on life, mistakes, regrets, and many a thought on death. Because Bukowski was so very aware of his life coming to an end it hits you even harder as a reason and I find myself closing this book with eyes pricked by tears, knowing that he is gone and will no longer fill my life with wonderful, sad and funny words. I find myself childishly wishing that just this one life be spared even though it's already too late. This man just grabs you and fills you up with his every sentence. I adore him, the more I read, the greater my affection for him is. Thank god he wrote so many books of poetry... I have plenty to read yet.