Edward Limonow has been called enfant terrible of Russian literature. He very well may be just that. His prose and poetry have made him a celebrity anti-hero among the Soviet exiles during the Cold War. This writer does not take prisoners. He is not trying to please the reader either. He is frank, he tells it "like it is." The acid style is not for the weak of heart, but still worth reading. A must for everyone who wants to study the immigrant experience in America.
Great book, great price
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
This is a classic. Great book, great price. Please shop the price, as I saw an incredible range in price depending upon publisher and seller. This piece is not for everyone. A lot of profanity, and I must admit to skipping at least one or two pages, as they were a bit to much. Overall, a great read for those who would like to see the world through the eyes of another. The tale is told from one perspective, and an not meant to be a historical account, but is an spot on accurate emotional/psychological account of events. Captivating, brilliant, but quite dark and quite genuine. Hats off to Lemonov...
So discusting, yet you can't look away
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
With the welfare checks, slumy apartment, and homosexual encounters in the alleys, Edward seems to be living a fairly dismal existence. His life was sh*t and he knew it. Once a famous poet and writer in Russia, he was now ignored as a human being in the United States. This book is a good insight into the mind of a self-exiled emigrant, the desperatation and self-loathing he faces as he tries to grab hold in this world. Edward is still reeling from the loss of his past "productive" life in Russia. He is looking for someone to love, someone to take care of him; he is all alone in the world. We have all felt like this, like an exile, at one point or another. Limonov's ability to sway our emotions is what allows us to love Edward, despite all of his debaucheries.
Painfully magnificent
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
The style is splendid, the execution dashing. This is Tropic Of Cancer written with more talent and professionalism. The book is tight, witty, full of hilarious observations. Unfortunately, it may not go down well with many American readers for a number of reasons (and this is very, very sad): The author uses a very European approach, part-Russian, part-French, in his narration. He is not exactly bashing New York or America, he is merely observing and telling the story, but his arrows might seem too vicious at times (although there is plenty of poetic praise and romantic awe as well). This is hard to explain. A whole bunch of American writers in this century were much angrier. I don't know... The book is enjoyable throughout. I haven't the faintest idea why it hasn't been more popular.
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