Song of the Silent Snow

by Hubert Selby Jr.

Book Overview

Fifteen stories describe a lucky gambler, a salesman trying to build up his self-confidence, a boy facing the anxieties of puberty, a carefully planned date, and a commuter's fantasy. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802130089
• ISBN13: 9780802130082
• Release Date: January 1987
• Publisher: Grove/Atlantic
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Staying Real

Always difficult to pick up anything else after reading Selby. These shorts aren't quite as disturbing as LETB or The Demon, but they're still enough to put the thousand-yard stare on my face. Especially enjoyed "Puberty" and "Penny for Your Thoughts".

my holy god, what a writer

I've read a couple of Selby's full length novels, and his writing always leaves me heavily affected for days afterward(for better or worse). This book, a collection of short stories, was at times funny and sad, bitter and naive, and essentially is a portrayal of the most mundane and ordinary things imaginable in an extremely beautiful and grandiose way. If I didn't know better(and I guess I don't, I'd swear Selby was a psychic, the way he knows people's minds' inner workings so well). The story 'Of Whales and Dreams' tore my heart out. Amazing. Selby will burn you alive with your own emotions.

Pure Genius!

This is the first book of Hubert Selby Jr.'s that I have read and I must say, it definately will not be the last. Stories like "Of Whales and Dreams" are beyond captivating--riddled with intricate details and powerful messages. Put quite simply, this book is a must read for anyone who finds value in innovative and experimental forms of writing.

Absolutely wonderful

Some of the stories will make you laugh, some will make you want to cry. All main characters are called Harry. All have different lives, different stories, but something underneath is the same. What is the common thread of the different Harrys? Read the book. This is 13 short stories as aposed to his other novels, granted,but is also the easiest book of Selby jr to read. A great place to start with this wonderful and truely original American author.

It just can't get any better!

I feel the need to have this book with me at all times. If you are the kind of person who is up untill 3:00 in the morning thinking about all the people who waste your time [and rob you of your sleep] this is a book for you. Every aspect of humanity can be found in the pages of these short stories. You will be a better person for reading Hubert Selby Jr.'s masterpiece.