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The last few lines are spot-on: >Bukowski unquestionably lived a life much darker and hungrier and more desperate than that of most writers. But in his writing
by longerthoughts 8y ago
The last few lines are spot-on:
>Bukowski unquestionably lived a life much darker and hungrier and more desperate than that of most writers. But in his writing he paused at the black threshold and backed away. He was probably wise.
Yes, Bukowski presented a heavily edited portrait of his alcoholism, but that discretion is the only thing protecting the sick charm that makes his work so interesting. A step or two further and the light would be completely shut out.
- rhizome 8y agoThere are enough people who like to talk about liking Bukowski the person more than (or as a result of) Bukowski the author, so I think that protection winds up being a bit thin.
- pm90 8y agoDoes that matter though? I guess he had the sense to not cross that line explicitly in his work even though he may have crossed it in real life (I would bet a large amount of money that he did).