Joe's review
Our Lady of the Flowers
by Jean Genet
Joe's review
Our Lady of the Flowers by Jean Genet
Joe's review
rating:
bookshelves:
bookclub,
gay,
myall-timefaves
I was 25 when I first read this book (after reading Edmund White's excellent "Genet" biography), and my world was turned around. Fiction could be part-autobiographical, part-masturbatory fantasy, part-magical realism (or surrealism) , prison drama, high camp & a poetic tour-de-force. I re-read the book a few more times in my twenties, and have not returned to it until now. At first, I was annoyed by the general lack of narrative direction. By Genet's seeming lack of focus to not only his storyline, but to his descriptions of his characters. Perhaps it was just too hot, perhaps I was just not in the mood... All I know is that in the last two days, I basically read three-quarters of the book, devouring it, Blown away by the poetry, the word-play, the erotic presence. My original five-star review stands. I still think this is one of the best novels I have ever read. It is unlike most other things I have read. And the joy - of memory- of seeing a younger me in the words &...more
