Ham on Rye: A Novel

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It's a hit!

The majority of this book was wonderful, filled with subtle nuances and clever turns of phrase that nevertheless captured the bleakness of growing ... (show more)

The majority of this book was wonderful, filled with subtle nuances and clever turns of phrase that nevertheless captured the bleakness of growing up in the Great Depression.

However, between the high school and community college section the main character turned into a complete dick, totally losing any empathy I may have had. I understand that Bukowski was showing us a picture of a man who was almost purely id-driven after years of growing up in a hard, indifferent world, (and of course, giving us a painful glimpse into his own childhood) but at the end, I just wanted to slap Henry several times. Maybe that’s the point; I don’t know. Bukowski tries to romanticize Henry but in this case he fails terribly. There’s nothing redeeming about being a complete asshole.

I did enjoy reading the book though. It’s a wonderful piece of craftsmanship (as most Bukowski works are). I just didn’t like this one as much as the others. (show less)

 

 

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No, it's a flop!

I feel ambivalent about this novel. I wouldn't necessarily say that I disliked it, but I wouldn't say that I altogether enjoyed it, either. Admit... (show more)

I feel ambivalent about this novel. I wouldn't necessarily say that I disliked it, but I wouldn't say that I altogether enjoyed it, either. Admittedly, I'm probably not the target audience. However, when I was first recommended this book, I was told that it was a little misogynistic. I didn't really get that impression reading it. My main complaint, rather, would be that it gets a little too scattered at points, especially towards the end. I realize that this is probably a huge part of Bukowski's style, but it's just not my cup of tea. Overall, not bad, just not my thing. (show less)

 

 

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  Hmmm. Let me start by saying that I love Bukowski. The first couple chapters of this book sucked me in...Bukowski is the master of showing the beauty and humor in life's horrors. In fact, the first 3/4 of this book is genius. After that though I had to admit it fizzled. I understand that a tormented childhood can lead to bitter vengeful adulthood...but the lead character pretty much just acted like an asshole for the rest of the book. I don't want to hear about people he beat up or whores he... (show more)

  Hmmm. Let me start by saying that I love Bukowski. The first couple chapters of this book sucked me in...Bukowski is the master of showing the beauty and humor in life's horrors. In fact, the first 3/4 of this book is genius. After that though I had to admit it fizzled. I understand that a tormented childhood can lead to bitter vengeful adulthood...but the lead character pretty much just acted like an asshole for the rest of the book. I don't want to hear about people he beat up or whores he fucked without hearing about the flip side of the coin. What was he feeling? It's like Bukowski pulled all the aching subtley that underscores the first 3/4 of the book out from under the lead character's feet...leaving the reader with a one level unsympathetic dickhead. Unfortunate. The ending SUCKED! "Pulp" is a much better crafted Bukowski novel. Oh well. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Oct 11, 2009 at 04:21AM

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  My greatest joy in life is the time spent reading a Bukowski novel. It doesn't matter which one. The trajedy is that I didn't discover his writing until my late 20s. I make sure to read them sporadically so I always have the next to look forward to.

  Ham on Rye is true to Bukowski form in that you are endeared the the truly sad state of Hank Chinaski. Bukowski, with his unique style of eloquent story telling, will immerse the reader in a sad, desolate world with one bad break waiting ar... (show more)

  My greatest joy in life is the time spent reading a Bukowski novel. It doesn't matter which one. The trajedy is that I didn't discover his writing until my late 20s. I make sure to read them sporadically so I always have the next to look forward to.

  Ham on Rye is true to Bukowski form in that you are endeared the the truly sad state of Hank Chinaski. Bukowski, with his unique style of eloquent story telling, will immerse the reader in a sad, desolate world with one bad break waiting around every corner. Having read several of his later works first, Ham on Ryle is "where it all started" and develops an understandable profile for the later Chinaski/Bukowski stories.

  While the upbringing of Chinaski may have been desperate and cold, Bukowski's story gives the character a charm and relatability common in many of his books. It seems that Bukowski yearns for the reader to laugh with him in telling his story rather than pity the heartbreak and tough times he faced growing up.

  Overall a great book from a superb writer. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Jun 03, 2009 at 12:40AM

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