I loved this book. I genuinely adored every turning page. Though at the same time, Big Sur by Jack Kerouac scared me out of my skin.
I cannot imagine that this review is going to end up being very lengthy, as I find it nearly impossible to even begin getting into details about it. Big Sur was one of Jack Kerouac's final novels. He wrote it in the prime of his alcoholism, and described how he slowly but surely went completely insane with delirium tremens while staying with friends in San Francisco and at a cabin in the beautiful area of Central California named Big Sur. I could explain to you some of the tragedies and such that caused this horrifying and unforgettable experience for Jack, but I would most likely have to type out the entire 241 page novel to do so. I guess you should run out and grab this book right now so you can find out for yourself. I mean it.
If you have ever read any of Jack Kerouac's novels or poetry, you understand how he writes. Every page is packed with metaphors, monologues, numerous characters, references to his past and childhood, and details. Oh so many details. But it is all so amazing. I respect any author who can make you think and dream beyond what they write. It gives more character to a book. Jack Kerouac is one of the most interesting and intelligent writers the world has ever known, in my opinion at least. Big Sur is simply another story to prove this.
Big Sur, like much of Kerouac's work, brings back the likes of many of his fellow Beat Generation poets, writers, and friends. Some such names are:
Neal Cassady (portrayed as Cody Pomeray)
Lawrence Ferlinghetti (portrayed as Lorenzo Monsanto)
Michael Mclure (portrayed as Pat McLear)
and
Philip Whalen (portrayed as Ben Fagin)
Though not my absolute favorite Kerouac novel, I can honestly say once again that I loved every bit of it(if you want some of my overall favorite Kerouac work, check out On The Road or The Dharma Bums). It was, though, one of the quickest flowing books to read. Big Sur grabs you and drags you vigorously through the psychotic barriers of Kerouac's impending insanity, and will not let go until you have completed the extremely intense final chapters. Kerouac also included at the end of the book a poem entitled "Sea" that he wrote while observing the ocean at Big Sur.
Read Big Sur. It is an amazing work of literature, and is guaranteed to catch hold of you from the very first page. And if you enjoy this, do not stop there. I recommend anything with Jack Kerouac's name on the cover. Take my word.
Big Sur was written some time after Kerouac s best-known work, following a visit to northern California and the first ravages of midlife crisis. The b...More at Buy.com
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