Fair enough. I'm a huge Bukowski fan, love his 'dirty realism' style.

Not really. Bukowski is all about his style of writing. There are no stories in the traditional sense, only accounts of his drunkenness, womanising and philandering in general. Not everybody gets him, which is understandable, but there is a huge amount of humour, pathos and philosophy hidden in there.

Kow wrote:

Not really. Bukowski is all about his style of writing. There are no stories in the traditional sense, only accounts of his drunkenness, womanising and philandering in general. Not everybody gets him, which is understandable, but there is a huge amount of humour, pathos and philosophy hidden in there.

There's probably a bit of context at the point where he wanders up to the wrong floor that makes it funnier. It's the line "This is really going to lift my spirits" that makes that whole exchange.

Well, Bukowski is most definitely not a mediocre writer.

Bollockoff wrote:

Been reading The Silmarillion as I thought it time I stop reading reference books on World War 2 and other bits of history and get some good fiction going. (And instead read a fictional history narrative, ironically). It's been over a decade and a bit since I read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and i'd forgotten how much I love Tolkien's writing style. It's far too easy to get sucked into his work and the history of the Valar and the Elves.

Unfinished Tales is excellent as a companion to the Silmarillion.

FranticPea wrote:

You're just biased because he has kow in his name.

We now know his origin. Or it might be the Klan thing, I guess.

I'm going to pick up the rest of his novels next week. Going to watch Barfly and Factotum again too.

I've not seen Barfly. I believe Bukowski makes a cameo in it.

When did he start writing? I was surprised at how long a time span Post Office covered.

It's rather good actually. Matt Dillon is fantastic.

ChattinWithChet wrote:

Unfinished Tales is excellent as a companion to the Silmarillion.

I've had that since my teens. Couldn't get into it back then so i'll plough into it after i've finished this. Hopefully i've given my earlier twenties self more credit than my easily distracted younger self.

One thing i've realised is Tolkien does nature really well. I find myself appreciating this sunny day alot more after reading some passages.

So Im onto the final part of 'Deadhouse Gates' and it really is an exceptional book. The decision to:

was a masterstroke in regards to pace, tension and the overall storyline. The characters in this book have been even better than the first (although Whiskeyjack is still my favourite), particularly Felisin who has had such an epic journey so far. The moment when:

seriously hit me hard, I was even close to tears on a packed commuter train. Good times!

Aaroncupboard wrote:

So Im onto the final part of 'Deadhouse Gates' and it really is an exceptional book. The characters in this book have been even better than the first (although Whiskeyjack is still my favourite), particularly Felisin who has had such an epic journey so far. The moment when... seriously hit me hard, I was even close to tears on a packed commuter train. Good times!

There were many, many moments in the series that effected me that way, but I found the next book, Memories of Ice the most emotional. Some seriously gut wrenching stuff in places.

Aside from Whiskeyjack, Fiddler, Apsalar and kalam are some of my favourites throughout the series, but there are so many great characters (including just about all of the Bridgeburners) you're never short of someone to root for/despise with a passion. 

Thinking about Deadhouse Gates and knowing what's coming up is enough to make me want to start reading the whole series again, and I've only just finished a second read through.

Edit: Got my books mixed up. Fixed.

@ stormyskies - You mean Memories of Ice? That's next after Deadhouse. I love the chain of dogs, the ending to that book is excellent, close to the high point of the entire series for me, it's probably the most self-contained of the Malaz books too.

Yeah, it's amazing. You really need to read R. Scott Bakker, check a preview of his work, sounds like you'll love it.