Questions About Ham on Rye

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Answered Questions (5)

Do I need to read the Chinaski novels in any particular order in order to enjoy them or know what is going on? It seems they were not written/published in chronological order in terms of the character Chinaski's life so I assume it's not a big deal but wanted to ask. :-)

James No need for that. I first read Post Office, then Ham on Rye, and never felt lost or confused.

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Is the character of Becker based on a published writer?

Kathrina No, "Becker" died in the War and is unpublished (and an orphan so I hardly doubt we can find those stories now, they probabl got lost).…moreNo, "Becker" died in the War and is unpublished (and an orphan so I hardly doubt we can find those stories now, they probabl got lost).(less)

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Did really such boxing game machines existed, that Chinaski and the child played at the end? If existed is there any photo of it on the web?

Zoltán Yes, one looking very similar was made since 1928:
http://www.pinrepair.com/baseball/kof...

If the link is not working, search for "1928 National Novelt…moreYes, one looking very similar was made since 1928:
http://www.pinrepair.com/baseball/kof...

If the link is not working, search for "1928 National Novelty Knock Out K.O. Fighters"(less)

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How autobiographical is this book?

Karen He said it is 93% autobiographical

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They are hard to enjoy because they are so tough on children?

James The Chinaski books? I don't think so - I never got the impression that Bukowski was tough on children. At least no more so than other biographies I ha…moreThe Chinaski books? I don't think so - I never got the impression that Bukowski was tough on children. At least no more so than other biographies I have read about childhoods. His experiences seem rather average, plus he's not into gratuitous imaginary.

The closest I have come to him being cruel to children is a short story in The most Beautiful Woman, about a pedophile. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (1)

in chapter 36, bukowski talks about his first d. h. lawrence book - the one about a troubled man at the piano. does anybody know the name of the work being referred to?

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