Ham On Rye, Charles Bukowski

[Andrea Zv]

After having heard of Charles Bukowski multiple times by friends and by seeing him listed several times as an 'inspiration' for various other authors I finally had the change to get a book by him.

It wasn't what I expected at all but still, a pleasant surprise.

The book is said to be the most personal and most autobiographical of all he wrote, including part of his childhood growing up in LA and difficult relationships with his family. Ham on Rye talks about the life of his alter- ego, Henry Chinaski starting from his childhood memories, all the way to his high school years faced with rejection and a horrible relationship with his father. Bukowski writes in a way that is so honest and vivid that it cant help but make you feel uncomfortable yet keeps you wanting to know more. He also really crude and straightforward which results in funny moments where appropriate yet always with a bit of sadness to it.

Definitely a really interesting read, Bukowski's honesty is something that is no longer as easy to find with authors.