Gaia answers “I tried reading this book in college, but...”

Carol Maskus asked this question about Tropic of Cancer (Tropic, #1):

I tried reading this book in college, but had to put it down when he kept referring to women as bitches and whores. For women who have read the book, did that dissuade you?

Gaia I'm reading the last pages of the book. Personally, I don't think the point was to denigrate women, and I did not feel dissuaded. Whores do exists, an…moreI'm reading the last pages of the book. Personally, I don't think the point was to denigrate women, and I did not feel dissuaded. Whores do exists, and he talks about them, sometimes with strong words and expression, but it's all part of his poetical style. He writes down the decay of his society, and from the bottom of the dirt, meaningless, life, from chaos he builds up a brand new rebirth by means of art and sound and literature and women too. Of course is a male point of view and it can be hard to find yourself it, and I do believe that some women could not appreciate it. However the message of the whole book is just so powerful when you feel it that you can read it from a higher point of view and surpass the first impressions, that can be found offensive. if you didn't already, I suggest you to read some of the love letters Henry wrote to Anais Nin. He put down words every woman would love to hear from a lover.
(Of course this is a personal thought) (less)

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Tropic of Cancer

by Henry Miller

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