Thank you for being so kind. As for being the anti-thesis... I think Bukowski himself did say about Tolstoy (for example) that 'I look and I look but I just don't see the greatness...' I think, in my humble opinion that he did want to find something special in those writers, 'writers with guts'. Thats what I want.
In words I want to connect and feel reassured and inspired that I am not alone. That is the magic, not some kind of elevated bullsh*t that is held aloft like some kind of trophy or mask for my inability, more a place of solice like a good night on the ale with true friends. Don't mis-understand me. I read the likes of Blake etc because I was a big doors fan and found the words interesting but also quite anal (only in retrospect). We are told about these so called 'great writers' and I have read the likes of Hesse, Austen, Dickens, Orwell etc and still struggle to find something that I can truly appreciate. Its either my lack of understanding or the materials blatant inappropriateness in relation to my own world. I identify with Bukowski because I feel the same frustrations. I feel the same sad way about the lemmings of this world but I also feel the same sad way about myself. The fact that, like them, I maybe do not have the courage of my convictions to be who I really know I am. a writer (albeit music) with guts.
I have read,
Ham on Rye,
Women,
Post Office,
Factotum,
Tales of Ordinary Madness,
Hollywood
& I am now reading the most beautiful woman in town. The midget story is pretty bizarre.
I thank you for you recommendations.
I think I better run and hide in the new blood section as recommended!!!!
Thanks,
Brandon.
UK