Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

Read July 2019

Well�. I can see why this would have been controversial when it was published. Actually, it probably would be controversial now � it is a clear eyed, unrelenting biography of a ‘junkie� (addicted to heroin).

I think Alan Ginsberg in (one) of his introductions says it well: “� It is a notable accomplishment; there is no sentimentality here, no attempt at self-exculpation but the most candid, no romaticization of the circumstances, the dreariness, the horror, the mechanical beatness and evil of the junk life as lived.�

I read this in ‘instalments�. It is interesting, but it is bleak and even though it is short I don’t think it is suited to reading it in one sitting. When I read books like this, and others that are obviously influenced by this, I really question why anyone would become a junky. Perhaps this should be required reading in school! 3*

Read July 2011

I expected to not like this book by William S Burrough's but I liked it. It was an easy to read book and I was impressed that this author who openly writes about his addiction and his homosexuality was intelligent. He writes this book without defensiveness or anger. He writes with matter-of-fact style. This was his debut novel. He wrote the original in 1953 and was published by Ace. I read the Penguin addition. This book is gives the reader a trained anthropologist observations as he portrays the life of an addict in New York, New Orleans and Mexico City. For those readers who have read The Road by Jack Kerouac, this would be a great companion read. They were acquaintances and even had thought of writing a novel together.

Rating: 3 stars


Burroughs semi-autobiographical debut novel. Definitely tamer than some of his later work. It is a coming of age/heroin addiction story. Not really my cup of tea, but still interesting and readable (as opposed to the repellent Wild Boys)

I did not find this slight book an easy read. The unemotional description of drug addicts and their milieu was vividly described despite the dispassionate style. It was so bleak I could only read a few pages at a time. I expect that is why it is on the 1001 list. I only give it two stars because a certain amount of repetition annoyed me. But Burroughs was an intelligent participant and acute observer so I did appreciate his portrayal of a sick underbelly of society.