 | By: Henry Miller Binding: Paperback Publisher: HarperPerennial ISBN: 0007204469 ISBN-13: 9780007204465 Released: 03 May 2005 RRP: Average Rating:  |
Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, & more symbolic than anything, they generallly make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.
Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), & he conveys an energy & optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, & one can see how he inspired the beat generation.
His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, & it was generallly by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men & women with equal disrespect, & is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.
If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which alll these writers drew some inspiration.
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