Queer by William S. Burroughs, 0330300164, Lowest Book Price Finder

Customer Reviews:

Addictive writing

Although Naked Lunch and Junky are great novels, Queer reveals the more human side of Burroughs, where one can actually empathize with the protagonist. The evocative descriptions of Mexico City in the late 1940s and his circle of friends, many of whom were fellow American expatriates, lend a special air of magic to the writing. The flashes of humour are always unique and refreshing, e.g. the amusing story of his imaginary journey to the "Upper Ubangi" in Africa. Queer remains a brilliant work whose many charms I intend to delve into again and again.

Sad love story.

As other reviewers already have pointed out, this book is in no way "typical Burroughs" - actully it's completely the oposite of "typical Burroughs". I found this to be THE most harrowing story of doomed love I had read when I first picked it up, about 8 years ago - and I still haven't found anything that beats it for sheer feel-bad effect. It might not break your heart, but it will sure make you feel lousy; a great read.

Burroughs still tells a good tale but this is not his best

Queer is a story of love and Mexico City, filled with the usual lyrical prose of William Burroughs. I read it in one session, bewitched throughout the evening, but in my opinion, Queer is far from his best work.

The love story is told with a typically unorthodox approach, and this book could be told from a sentimentally romantic point of view. This is Burroughs' genius - the book is written from a very realistic perspective, and the slightly lacking depth seems symptomatic of the addict lover.

BUT, do not be fooled into buying some great beat love story, for Queer is, for all intents and purposes, a mediocre book when compared to say Junky or Naked Lunch. What the book does do is give us great insight into the mind and emotions of Burroughs himself, and he still made me reel with laughter when talking about Eastern mysticism.

All in all, a good read, but despite its being an example of his clearest prose, I would not recommend it to a Burroughs virgin purely because I personally feel the earlier books can show a reader his true avant garde magic.

BRILLIANT WRITING

The 1985 introduction by the author is very poignant and valuable for a clear understanding of the novel. Especially the admission that it was the accidental death of his wife by his own hand that motivated and formulated his writing. Although Junky is great, Queer reveals a more human side to his work where one can actually empathize with the main character. His descriptions of Mexico City in the late 1940s and his circle of friends, many of whom were fellow American expatriates, lend a special air of magic to the writing. The flashes of humour are always unique and refreshing, eg. the amusing story of his fantasy trip to the "Upper Ubangi." A brilliant work whose many charms I intend to delve into again and again.

Interesting

An interesting and sensitive portrayal of Burroughs sex life at the time.

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