Scan barcode
A review by laylalozada
The People Look Like Flowers at Last: New Poems by Charles Bukowski
4.5
This only the second poetry book I’ve read. The first being Shakespeare’s Sonnets. I know most people have an issue with Bukowski. But, I found this collection extremely good. He knows how to choose his words well and he has great control of it. If were to describe him, I would say that he is wise and witty. However, I do have some issues in terms of his use of derogatory words. And he seems to be self-aware of his being a Dirty Old Man. Which, I guess is good. His poems are so disgustingly honest. What I mean by that, is that the poems are so unfiltered and real that at times it can come across as gross. With that honesty, I think also come with wisdom. A lot of his poems seem to have some bits of advice, and that’s pretty cool to have in a book that may be seen as pessimistic.
And, when I read the book, I was at first annoyed of how he described and talked about women. But, I went on to understand that his being an ass is because of his confusion when it came to women. In a way, he doesn’t understand women. He admits it too. When we don’t understand things and people, we often act in a shitty way. We’re human and that’s natural. As long we own up to it. But, I still don’t condone his actions. The same way I won’t condone it when women use their power to manipulate. It goes both ways for me. I also appreciate his honesty, unlike other men who cannot own up to the fact that they acted like douchebags. His confusion, I must admit, I kind of admire. Because, he’s aware of it. From what I read, its confusion and interest that he has. Things we don’t know about confuse and interest us. It’s human nature. Even as a woman, I can admit I’ve that way about men sometimes. It’s confusion and interest and even admiration that I have. Which I think is what Bukowski has towards women.
I’m also appreciate the fact that it’s realistic, and it gives us a rare glimpse of what it really is like inside a person’s mind. Poetry this real and honest so rarely happens. Definitely recommended!
And, when I read the book, I was at first annoyed of how he described and talked about women. But, I went on to understand that his being an ass is because of his confusion when it came to women. In a way, he doesn’t understand women. He admits it too. When we don’t understand things and people, we often act in a shitty way. We’re human and that’s natural. As long we own up to it. But, I still don’t condone his actions. The same way I won’t condone it when women use their power to manipulate. It goes both ways for me. I also appreciate his honesty, unlike other men who cannot own up to the fact that they acted like douchebags. His confusion, I must admit, I kind of admire. Because, he’s aware of it. From what I read, its confusion and interest that he has. Things we don’t know about confuse and interest us. It’s human nature. Even as a woman, I can admit I’ve that way about men sometimes. It’s confusion and interest and even admiration that I have. Which I think is what Bukowski has towards women.
I’m also appreciate the fact that it’s realistic, and it gives us a rare glimpse of what it really is like inside a person’s mind. Poetry this real and honest so rarely happens. Definitely recommended!