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Naked Lunch

PeoplePeople Acolyte
edited September 2011 in Spurious Generalities
I gave this a read awhile ago after I heard about it from &Z. I know it's supposed to be all abstract and heroin-induced writing but... I didn't get anything out of it. The only things I remember are the orgy, Steely Dan sections and whatever that "other world" was, but only vaguely.

Did I approach this book with the wrong mindset or what? Is it good because it's so perversely written or did I miss something?
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Comments

  • RemadERemadE Global Moderator
    edited July 2010
    This book fucked with my head on an unprecedented scale. I hate to say it but have you seen the film adaptation?

    I really want to get into more of Burrough's books.
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  • 1357913579 Death Cog Machine
    edited July 2010
    Are you telling me that fucked up movie started with a book?

    Dear God.
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  • MorningsideMorningside Regular
    edited July 2010
    The movie is only very loosely based on the book. The first time I read it I was like "ok, wtf was that? I dont get it.."

    But then I read it again and its now one of my favorite books. I don't exactly know what mindset you have to be in to enjoy it, but I'd say wait a while then read it again. I'd also recommend reading "Cities of the Red Night," it's still fucked up, but more comprehensible than Naked Lunch.
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  • PeoplePeople Acolyte
    edited July 2010
    There is a movie? My god I couldn't imagine what that is like. Is it worth watching?

    I read it awhile ago, so once I'm done with the present books I'm reading I think I'm going to give it another go.
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  • MorningsideMorningside Regular
    edited July 2010
    The movie is definately worth watching, it was directed by David Cronenberg, so it's pretty fucked up.
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  • weathersweathers Regular
    edited July 2010
    The book's worth readin and the movie's worth seeing, IMO.

    Don't expect a traditional narrative from either, though.
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  • CaesarCaesar Regular
    edited July 2010
    Burroughs is one of my favorite writers. I think the thing to remember is that everything he is saying is the truth if it was told as a fairy tale distortion. It is a very multi layered book but I think you really need to read it twice to get it. The first time I read it I thought it was a step down from snuff porn. The Audio books of it are pretty cool too; the language turns into music when read aloud.
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  • Anal Probe DeluxeAnal Probe Deluxe Regular
    edited July 2010
    The Yage Letters One of Burroughs's least enjoyable experiences.
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  • MorningsideMorningside Regular
    edited July 2010
    Anal Probe Deluxe wrote: »
    The Yage Letters One of Burroughs's least enjoyable experiences.

    Thanks, I've been wanting to read this.
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  • PeoplePeople Acolyte
    edited July 2010
    What is "The Yage Letters" about? I'm downloading it now, as well as the movie. I guess I'll read and find out.

    This thread makes me wanna read it again now, but I gotta finish Portrait of the Artist. Almost done with it. Crazy good book.
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  • Anal Probe DeluxeAnal Probe Deluxe Regular
    edited July 2010
    People wrote: »
    What is "The Yage Letters" about? I'm downloading it now, as well as the movie. I guess I'll read and find out.

    This thread makes me wanna read it again now, but I gotta finish Portrait of the Artist. Almost done with it. Crazy good book.

    Ayahuasca. Burroughs would have not even known about this had it not been for Richard Evans Schultes.

    Moar info here:

    http://www.totse.info/bbs/showthread.php?t=756
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  • Caramello KoalaCaramello Koala Acolyte
    edited September 2011
    Naked Lunch is a weird book, I struggled to enjoy it; might have to give it a second read. There were definitely some interesting parts, and Burroughs has an interesting way of... phrasing things. If you want a much more reader friendly Burroughs book, check out Junky. I think it was the first book he wrote, but don't quote me on that.
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